15 Ways To Save Your First Year Of Marriage For A Happily Ever After

Is there anything more amazing than being in love? The beginning stages of a relationship are full of bliss. You can’t get enough of him, he of you, and then you say “I do.” We all know that marriage isn’t always going to be easy but rarely do any of us think that it is going to be so difficult.

Suddenly all those cute things he used to do aren’t that cute anymore, the rendezvous in the middle of the day isn’t happening and at nighttime, the best feeling you get is digging into a pint of ice cream. This isn’t what you bargained for, is it? If you are asking yourself whether it was a mistake all along and looking over your courtship for signs that you missed, take heart.

The first year of marriage is one of the most difficult times for the majority of married couples. It is also the time that defines the journey that you set out on. If you find things getting out of control and negative, now is the time to nip it in the bud and turn things around.

# Maintain some mystery

Don’t put it all out there. Keep your hygiene habits to yourself and close the door. It is important always to maintain some level of mystery and sexiness.

# Ditch the sweatpants

Granny panties weren’t cute when you were dating; they aren’t cute now. Be mindful of the way you look, not just when you go out, but when you are staying in. You used to dress to attract each other, now is not the time to stop.

# Pretend you are dating

When you are dating, you stop from saying critical things and do those particular things that make each other feel good. Do the same things as when there was the potential for them to say goodbye.

# Remember that your mate is still wanted by others

Just because your spouse married you, doesn’t mean that others wouldn’t love to be with them. When they said “I do,” they didn’t become unattractive to others. Remember, you are still lucky to be with them.

# Picture the first time you knew you were in love

Periodically, especially when things get tough, picture the first time you knew you were in love with them. There was a look that they gave you or something they did that let you know they were the one. Conjure up those memories when you are overwhelmed, frustrated, or upset.

# Don’t let the ugly out

If you wouldn’t have said it before you got married, you ought not to say it now. Many couples think that once the vows are said, they can say and do whatever they want to hurt each other. Don’t show that side of yourself.

# Recreate the hunt

The fun in dating was hunting for each other. Show your mate that you are still attractive and that others want you. Flirting is okay in moderation and may not only make you feel wanted again; it may let your mate know that you are still something to be desired.

# Don’t get too comfortable

You wouldn’t have waited for him in bed with your tattered old underwear when you were dating, why would he want to see that now?

# Go out alone

Don’t smother each other, it is important to maintain your life outside of the relationship as much as it is to maintain your relationship with each other.

# Send sexy texts

Let them know you still find them attractive by sending them sexy texts about how you are thinking about them. Sex can’t be something that you take for granted. Don’t stop trying to turn each other on.

# Those three words

Never go a day without saying “I love you.”

# Make lists of the things you love about each other

Make your top ten list of what you adore about them, and they are likely to reciprocate. If you notice that you have been very negative and critical, lists will remind both of you what you mean to each other.

# Always kiss goodnight

This is a simple act, but one many couples overlook with time.

# Be friends

If you wouldn’t treat your friends in a certain way, don’t treat your mate that way. There is no reason that your mate should be subjected to anything less than the respect you pay others in your life.

# Make time for each other

Even though you are now living together, that doesn’t mean that you are spending time together. Instead of sitting on the couch, go out for the night and spend time reconnecting.