First Year of Marriage

Marriage is a great journey to embark on, but can be challenging for the stubborn and unprepared.

Marriage is a great commitment for any couple to take. Contrary to some long term relationships, matrimony requires two individuals to be wholly devoted to one another. Although many marriages survive the first year, some are annulled because the two involved parties are unwilling to make sacrifices and adjust to nuptial life. While there are many remedies for keeping a marriage alive, couples wishing to survive the first year should develop understanding and respect for the other person's wishes.

University of Michigan Study

In a study conducted by the University of Michigan, couples in their first year of marriage avoided newlywed pitfalls by understanding their partner. When surveying 219 newly married couples, it was found that many spouses disagreed on the daily practices of their mate. Whereas negative commented on discrepancies bred hostile responses, those couples who gently voiced their concerns received positive feedback. While the results of the study are not reflective of every relationship, they do point to the important attribute of appeasement. Although conflicts are inevitable, couples can avoid serious arguments that lead to separation if they learn to peaceably resolve disputes. Instead of aggressively voicing complaints to one another, couples should consider approaching problems with an open mind. Even if a husband is completely correct in asking his wife to inform him of her whereabouts, he does not need to be demanding to convey his point. When discussing problems with a spouse, newlyweds should remember that marriage commitment is a new journey for both of them.

The Conflict Barrier

In many respects, conflict is the central barrier that newly wedded couples must break through to reach relationship success. Although becoming accommodated with another person in the bed, and tending to the needs of one another are new journey to embark on, all of these changes can be accomplished if married couples can adjust to compromise. When husbands and wives accept the fact that they are not always right, then true bonding can begin.

The Positives

Among positive attributes, newly wedded couples can expect to enjoy the company of their spouse. While the single life is exciting, marriage is comforting when cuddling is needed. Women can expect to enjoy the company of their spouse, and men will love the massages and foot rubs after an exhausting day of work. Regardless of disagreements, the most important attribute of first year marriages is the ability of couples to come together and love one another regardless of problems. While each party being entitled to half of the other parties possessions may not be desirable at first glance, newlyweds will enjoy sharing automobiles, cell phones, and bank accounts with one another.

Conclusion

Marriage is a serious commitments that mature individuals should take. Although the first year of matrimony may be disturbing because of the amount of compromise required, newly married couples should choose to overcome conflict with peace. When realizing the honeymoon is over, couples should remember their wedding vows: “I take you…to have and to hold…for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health…until death do us part.”

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