Falling in love is easy when compared to staying in love. Different studies have shown that the honeymoon phase in your marriage generally lasts no longer than 12 to 18 months. We have many divorces due to the inability of couples to adapt when the honeymoon phase in their relationship ends. So how then do we adapt when the honeymoon phase in our relationship ends and prevent a relationship disaster?
Below are 6 ways to prevent a relationship disaster
1. BE WILLING TO WORK ON YOURSELF
It’s so easy to see flaws in your partner but what about the flaws you have? To make your relationship work and prevent a relationship disaster, you have to be willing to work on yourself. You always complain about how your partner is the reason for your frequent quarrels but have you tried changing your own behaviour. There are probably things that we’d all like to change about our partners, but you must be willing to change yourself first.
2. YOUR RELATIONSHIP WON’T ALWAYS BE IN THE HONEYMOON PHASE
When you met your partner, everything was just special and you couldn’t just wait to get married. You felt so much in love and couldn’t think of living without your partner. You have to understand that your relationship with your spouse won’t always be like this. There would come a time when you would question whether you are still in love with your partner and you would also be shocked to realise that your partner might be feeling the same way too. Your relationship won’t always be in the honeymoon phase. You need to be willing to be willing to invest your time, effort and also a desire to compromise to create a love solid enough to last a lifetime.
3. ARGUE THE RIGHT WAY
You might be surprised to find out there is a right way to argue. There is no relationship in which partners don’t argue but how you argue is what really matters. It’s okay for you and your partner to have different point of views but during moments like this, you should ensure that you don’t forget to listen to each other and never hold onto resentments.
4. INTIMACY IS NOT JUST ABOUT SEX
When we talk about intimacy between partners, what comes to our minds most times is sex. You shouldn’t just view intimacy as being just about sex. There are lots of other things you can do with your partner to deepen the intimacy in your relationship. Partaking in a hobby you and partner share can help deepen intimacy and strengthen the bond in your relationship. Talking about good moments you both shared can also help deepen intimacy in your relationship.
5. REKINDLE THE HONEYMOON PHASE BEHAVIOUR
When you started your relationship with your partner, you can remember how sweet and special it was. Remember how playful you guys were, how you laughed a lot and showered each other with physical and emotional signs of appreciation. Remember how you guys always hugged, kissed and touched each other gently. Bringing back those behaviours would also help your relationship.
6. YOUR MARRIAGE SHOULD ALWAYS COME FIRST
It’s so wrong for your children to come first and your marriage second. If you want your relationship with your spouse to last, ensure your marriage comes first and your children come second. This is important because one day your children would grow up and leave home and it’s really important for you and your spouse to have a life apart from your children. It’s also good for children that you put your marriage first because it gives your children a good model for intimacy to draw on in their own futures.
Phil