Building a Lasting Marriage

In India, marriage is often a family affair. Many people still follow the tradition of arranged marriages, where parents choose the bride and groom. Surprisingly, these marriages have been quite successful over the years. But nowadays, even with love marriages becoming more common, divorce rates seem to be rising. It makes me wonder: if people marry for love, why do they end up separating?

The truth is, whether it’s a love marriage or an arranged one, the key to a successful relationship lies in how partners treat each other. Let me share what I’ve learned about the ingredients that make a marriage work.

First and foremost is 'TRUST.' Trust is the foundation of any strong relationship. If you know your partner is loyal and committed to you, it creates a sense of security. When trust exists, you think carefully before making any drastic decisions because you value what you have.

Next is 'ATTITUDE - never giving up on each other.' Every relationship has ups and downs, but the couples who stay together are the ones who refuse to quit when things get tough. They fight for their bond and work through challenges as a team.

Then comes 'UNDERSTANDING.' No two people are exactly alike, and conflicts are bound to happen. But with mutual understanding, couples can resolve issues without letting them spiral out of control. It’s about listening to each other and finding common ground.

Another crucial element is 'RESPECT.' Respect means valuing your partner’s feelings, opinions, and individuality. Showing kindness and appreciation every day can go a long way in keeping the bond strong, because respect is the glue that holds relationships together.

When these four qualities, trust, commitment, understanding, and respect, are present in a marriage, it has a much better chance of lasting. True love isn’t just about romance; it’s about caring for each other, sharing life’s joys and struggles, understanding each other’s needs, respecting one another, and never giving up.

I’m not a marriage expert or coach, but this is what I’ve come to believe: there’s no such thing as a perfect marriage. Every relationship takes effort and patience. Marriage is like a garden; you have to nurture it every day for it to flourish. And the beauty of it is that both partners grow together through the process.

The purpose of any relationship is growth. Whether it’s learning more about your partner or discovering new things about yourself, marriage is a journey that helps both people become better versions of themselves. So let’s cherish our relationships and work towards building bonds that last a lifetime!