Comic books are filled with perfect relationships that many wish were their own, whether that be Peter Parker and Mary-Jane or Superman and Lois Lane. Good news – according to USA Today, divorces have plummeted by 34% across 5 major states, indicating that relationships are lasting longer than ever. For couples looking to enjoy their union and looking to take it to the next level, there are a handful of key factors that can influence the decision.
Are you independent?
Modern marriage is personified by two individuals sharing common goals. A sign of a healthy relationship is when both parties have their own interests and hobbies yet are comfortable with that. This is important in terms of psychology. Very Well Mind notes how the courting stage involves a ‘beginning’ of self. Both parties want to share, and take on, pieces of the other, so they amplify their best parts. Being able to do this while remaining very much yourself shows a strength of bond.
Communication – always
Trust and communication are the bedrock of marriage. There will be issues; there will be rows. Being able to talk about them early, and effectively, and openly, personifies everything good about a truly deep relationship. If communication is good, your relationship will be good, open and honest, giving you the clearest indication as to where you’re at.
Marriage is unimportant
This might seem counterintuitive, but there’s wisdom in knowing that marriage is perhaps unimportant. Gallup polls have shown a downward trend of public perception of marriage – it simply isn’t the factor it once was. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t tie the knot, but it indicates that relationships are more important than the title of being wed. If your relationship is strong, healthy and beneficial enough that marriage is a nice factor, rather than a ‘must’, it’s a good sign. If you can walk into the marriage factor knowing it’s a nice event that both of you would like to take to affirm your bond, you’ll be all the better for it in the long run.
That’s when you take your relationship up a notch. When you’re in love, you’re independent, you can communicate openly and you know that marriage will change nothing. Marriage is a life-affirming event, but it’s an affirmation of the hard work you have already put in.
