Journey of a lifetime
Found the right partner… had the wedding… sorted! Right?
Wrong! If you think you’ve arrived, be ready for a shock. The journey’s only just begun! The challenge for the road ahead is that there are now two of you!
So how do you get the best out of the early years? Here are some tips:
Communication is key
Not email, skype or text, but deep face-to-face communication in which you really listen and start to learn what it’s like to be the other person. You’ve committed yourselves to each other and it’s OK to be completely vulnerable and trust each other completely. Isn’t that what your vows meant?
Expectations
Our expectations are the map we carry inside about where we think we are going. Traveling together means sharing the map! Share expectations about daily life together, in-laws, friends, work, hobbies, sex, new experiences, the first Christmas/holiday/anniversary… everything.
Time
Make time for each other. On a journey we need to stop (and eat some choccie!). Don’t let work, a new home or other people rob you of time to just relax and get to know each other. Go on dating!
Keep fit
For an arduous journey we need healthy bodies, exercise and good food. Our relationship needs these things too. Marriage preparation may have given us a good start, but many of us don’t understand the significance of, or listen to, much advice we hear before we marry. Why not treat yourself to a marriage enrichment weekend or course after a few years together. You can find out more at http://www.2-in-2-1.co.uk/
Marriage is a wonderful adventure. Sometimes the road is steep, but the views are worth it. Enjoy!
2-in-2-1
2-in-2-1.co.uk was founded by David and Liz Percival. Married in 1979, they have suffered the struggles and joys of married life, raising three children along the way. In 1985 they attended a Marriage Encounter weekend which changed their perspective on marriage forever, opening their eyes to the immense possibilities in the relationship, and the amount they had yet to learn.
Over time they have become involved with the wider marriage scene, recognising both the breadth of different services that are available, and the barriers that couples face in seeking support in marriage. David and Liz recognise that the internet provides an ideal way to increase the access for couples to a wide variety of services spanning every aspect of marriage from planning the wedding through to the end of the relationship.
Formed in 2000, 2-in-2-1 aims to remove many of the barriers commonly faced by couples by bringing together the widest possible array of services and advice in one place, whilst offering confidentiality and anonymity to every visitor. A core principle of 2-in-2-1 is its commitment to building a range of service offerings focused on sustainable relationships, not in a moralising or self-righteous way, but in a holistic manner seeking to reach the deeper emotional as well as physical needs of the customers.
Written by Dave and Liz Percival. Posted on 2nd November.
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