Early Marriage Difficulties

In the last post we talked about how it is important to set and understand each others expectations prior to marriage.  In this post we'll take a look at some of the difficulties that many couples run into early in their marriages.  In doing so the intent is not to startle young couples but to help them recognize and prepare for these possibilities.

But before we get into the possible difficulties remember that it is impossible to recognize feelings of joy without experiencing sadness.  If couples uses are able to successfully navigate these hardships through communication, love and forgiveness they will be so much stronger and closer for it.

Sleeping arrangement

-space for two

-temperature

The blending of two lives

-understanding nonverbal communication

-culture and traditions

-overcoming past family patterns

-learning to effectively communicate

-getting over the little quirks

-getting used to cooking

-getting used to each other’s daily schedule

  -shower time

  -clean up after each other

Creating and maintaining the magic of marriage

-learning to understand perspectives

-family rituals

  -family & couple prayer and scripture study

  -family home evening

-holidays

  -where and how

Role sharing, allocation

-who takes care of what

-cleaning

-who works

-who cooks

-finances

  -priorities 

  -lifestyles: house size, cars

Parenting

-parenting styles

  -discipline

-making time for each other
-being unified

A last note, when discussing these things make sure that you match logical arguments to logical and emotional to emotional.  Remember also that emotions are real, even if they are irrational.  Don't discount the feelings of you spouse with a rational argument, instead validate their emotions and then discuss them.

If couples choose to be in love each day these "early marriage difficulties" will only serve to strengthen their marriage