Marriage is a journey filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, and moments of both joy and frustration. Over time, I realized that some of the habits and behaviors I brought into my marriage were not serving me—or us—well. It wasn’t until I started letting go of certain things that I noticed a profound shift in our relationship. Here, I share the top 10 things I stopped doing to create a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling marriage.
1. Stopped Trying to Control Everything
I used to believe that if I could just control every detail—from how the house was organized to how my spouse handled tasks—everything would be perfect. But the truth is, control is an illusion. Letting go of the need to micromanage allowed my partner to step up and take ownership, fostering a sense of teamwork and mutual respect.
2. Stopped Keeping Score
Marriage isn’t a competition. I used to keep a mental tally of who did what, who apologized first, or who contributed more. This created resentment and tension. When I stopped keeping score, I focused instead on gratitude and appreciation for what my partner brought to the relationship.
3. Stopped Ignoring My Own Needs
I used to put my spouse’s needs above my own, thinking it was the key to a happy marriage. But over time, I realized that neglecting myself led to burnout and resentment. By prioritizing self-care and setting healthy boundaries, I became a better partner.
4. Stopped Assuming the Worst
It’s easy to jump to conclusions when your spouse says or does something that upsets you. I used to assume the worst—that they were being selfish or inconsiderate. But when I started giving them the benefit of the doubt and communicating openly, misunderstandings decreased, and trust grew.
5. Stopped Avoiding Conflict
I used to think that avoiding arguments meant we had a strong marriage. But sweeping issues under the rug only led to pent-up frustration. Learning to address conflicts calmly and constructively brought us closer and strengthened our bond.
6. Stopped Comparing My Marriage to Others
Social media and societal expectations can make it tempting to compare your marriage to others’. I realized that every relationship is unique, and comparing ours to others only created unnecessary pressure. Embracing our own journey allowed us to focus on what truly mattered.
7. Stopped Trying to Change My Spouse
I used to think that if I could just “fix” certain things about my spouse, our marriage would be perfect. But trying to change someone only leads to frustration. Accepting my partner for who they are—flaws and all—allowed us to build a deeper connection.
8. Stopped Neglecting Date Nights
Life gets busy, and it’s easy to let romance fall by the wayside. I realized that prioritizing quality time together—whether it’s a fancy dinner or a simple walk—reignited the spark and reminded us why we fell in love in the first place.
9. Stopped Taking My Spouse for Granted
Over time, it’s easy to fall into the trap of taking your partner for granted. I started making a conscious effort to express gratitude and acknowledge the little things they do. This small shift made a big difference in how we felt about each other.
10. Stopped Letting Pride Get in the Way
Apologizing can be hard, especially when you feel you’re in the right. But I learned that holding onto pride only creates distance. Swallowing my pride and offering a sincere apology—even when it was difficult—helped us move forward and grow stronger.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is letting go of control important in a marriage?Letting go of control fosters trust, teamwork, and mutual respect. It allows both partners to contribute equally and feel valued.
2. How can I stop keeping score in my relationship?Focus on gratitude and appreciation rather than tallying contributions. Remember, marriage is a partnership, not a competition.
3. What are some ways to prioritize self-care in a marriage?Set aside time for activities that recharge you, communicate your needs to your partner, and establish healthy boundaries.
4. How can I avoid assuming the worst about my spouse?Practice open communication and give your partner the benefit of the doubt. Ask questions instead of jumping to conclusions.
5. Is conflict always bad in a marriage?No, conflict can be healthy if handled constructively. It’s an opportunity to address issues and strengthen your relationship.
6. How do I stop comparing my marriage to others?Focus on your unique relationship and what makes it special. Limit exposure to social media if it triggers comparisons.
7. Can you really change your spouse?Trying to change someone often leads to frustration. Instead, focus on accepting and appreciating your partner for who they are.
8. Why are date nights important?Date nights help keep the romance alive and provide an opportunity to reconnect and strengthen your bond.
9. How can I show appreciation to my spouse?Express gratitude regularly, acknowledge their efforts, and perform small acts of kindness to show you care.
10. Why is apologizing important in a marriage?Apologizing shows humility and a willingness to repair the relationship. It helps resolve conflicts and fosters emotional intimacy.
By letting go of these habits, I was able to create a marriage built on trust, respect, and love. It wasn’t always easy, but the results were worth it. If you’re feeling stuck in your relationship, consider what you might need to let go of to make room for growth and connection. Marriage is a journey, and sometimes the best way to move forward is to release what’s holding you back.
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