And they lived happily ever after.
You read the stories as a little girl. The ones that ended with the beautiful wedding and those six words that stuck in our hearts and filled our dreams.
Get down the aisle and your good to go.
Right?!
Maybe. Maybe not. Marriage is full of blessings but it also takes lots of work and wisdom.
I’m thankful for the wisdom we received from friends with more experience who mentored our marriage and ministry. So, I thought it might be fun to ask some of my favorite blogging friends for their best marriage advice.
The question…
What is the best marriage advice you’ve ever given or received?
Here are their answers.
A Collection of the Best Marriage Advice Ever
When I am feeling frustrated or upset with my husband my best practice is to go to prayer and ask God what’s going on inside of ME! The vast majority of the time it isn’t really about him at all. – Patti Krank at Old Things New
Don’t be lazy in your relationship. Remember all those things you used to do when you first met him? Keep doing them! (Proverbs 20:4)
Do go on dates with him – Dates don’t have to cost anything! A walk and a picnic is a perfect time to reconnect. Or, serving dinner in front of the fireplace or adding a few candles turns boring into romantic. (Song of Songs 1:2) – Joan Davis at The Beauty in His Grip
My favorite marriage advice that I ever received was to speak highly of my husband in front of others. We’re a team and I think this is a great way to show that we’re united. Plus, I know it feels good when he speaks highly of me in front of others, so I try to do the same for him. – Dawn Klinge at Above the Waves
I received a wise word on my wedding day from my best friend’s mom. She told me, “Always remember that love is a choice.” Feelings come and go but when I make the choice to love in word or deed (regardless of how I feel), God has always honored it. We reap what we sow, so sow love. – Arabah Joy
1- Talk to each other about your problems instead of everyone else. (My mom turned me away as a young newlywed who wanted to complain about my husband. As a mom now I can imagine how difficult that was.) 2-Never stop laughing with each other. In fact, I tell my girls to keep an eye out for the one who makes them laugh (among other things, of course.) – Christi Gee at The Cheerio Trail
Vulnerability invites vulnerability. Be humble, forgive freely, serve deeply, and laugh together often. – Jennifer Schackelford at Chaos 2 Peace
One of the best things we can do for our marriages is to let go of the small stuff: all those little quirks and things about our husbands that drive us crazy. When we focus instead on our husbands’ positive qualities and express appreciation, it creates a more positive atmosphere for our marriages. – Betsy DeCruz at Faith Spilling Over
My best marriage advice currently would be to intentionally look for progress in your marriage relationship. One of the best tactics the enemy uses against us is to make us feel like we are stuck, incapable of change. But if we look for the progress, even if we have to look back over years to see it, we quickly recognize his lie for the untruth that it is. When I see progress in my marriage, I remain encouraged and motivated to keep working at it – Jen Stults at Being Confident of This
Give loads and loads of grace. And, when you think you have given enough, give more! (Brush things off. Don’t take offense. Don’t be so sensitive. Assume the best with your spouse – always.) – Melanie Redd
Put God first in your marriage, always. Seek wisdom and counsel from the Bible first, older, wiser couples (or a Pastor) second. When you feel like casting blame, ask the Lord to show you how your own sin is contributing to the situation and focus on that. Let the Lord work on the other party involved, just keep praying. God is so good to us when we come to Him and ask Him to be part of our marriage. – Nicki Schroeder at Showered in Grace
My best advice is simple “never let go.” – Shannon Geurin at Fiercely His
The best marriage advice we received was the reminder that as husband and wife we’re on the same team. That stayed with me so much that now we pass on that advice to our children. Because at the end of the day, as family our team’s goal is to know God and make Him known to others. I’m just happy I get to partner with my husband and children in doing so. I shared 5 tips on making my husband feel significant here: – Marva Smith at Sun Sparkle Shine
Maybe you’re wondering about my favorite marriage advice…
It’s simple – never stop flirting! No not with other people. Only with each other. Remember all those playful little things you said and did while you were dating to get each other’s attentions and keep things fun. Don’t stop! Flirting says, “You’re still the one for me!”
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9–12
And that’s the best marriage advice of all!
Remember that happily ever after part at the beginning of this post?
Two are better than one . . . yet that 15 to 50 ft. walk down the aisle is no guarantee of the happy or the ever after. That’s why our marriages need “a triple-braided cord.” Flirting may be my favorite advice but my secret for a strong marriage is . . . stay close to God.
Two are better. But three is best.
You and I need God in our marriages to remind us when we forget – how to listen, how to serve, how to work together, how to be patient and kind, how to forgive, how to keep a promise . . . how to love.
A huge thank you to my friends for sharing their best advice.
Now it’s your turn. What’s your favorite marriage advice?
Leave your prayer requests…
and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.
I LOVE hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.
And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…