A healthy marriage is a loving, caring relationship where both partners feel devoted to each other. They are committed to their marriage goals and work hard to make it a successful relationship. It takes effort and sacrifice to keep a marriage strong, but it’s worth it in the long run.

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind, but keeping a positive attitude is key to a happy marriage. This means not dwelling on past annoyances and recognizing your partner’s strengths. It also means being able to look at a challenging situation from a neutral standpoint, so that both parties can come to an agreement that works for everyone involved.

When you’re feeling stressed or down, a good joke can be the perfect pick-me-up. Laughing together can help reduce anxiety and stress, and it can bring two people closer together.

Even if it’s something silly or trivial, telling a funny story can be a great way to connect with your spouse. It helps you bond and build trust, and it can give you both a chance to remember why you fell in love with each other.

You should never be afraid to share stories about your life with your partner, and it’s especially important for couples who have been together for a long time. This helps them stay connected and remember the good times, says therapist Kim Buehlman.

Studies have shown that couples who regularly reminisce about their marriages are more likely to report marital satisfaction than those who don’t. They are able to take stock of the good times and remember why they married in the first place, which can strengthen their marriage and protect it from negative experiences later on.

They also are more likely to see the future with a positive vision. They are able to imagine a better future for themselves and their family, which can help them stay motivated to make it happen.

A healthy marriage is anchored in self-responsibility and commitment to making it work, so it’s important for both spouses to be honest about their shortcomings and mistakes. This is a crucial part of building trust and avoiding arguments that aren’t constructive or that lead to long-term pain.

It can be difficult to find the right balance between being honest and compromising, but it’s essential for the success of your relationship. If you can’t be honest about your mistakes or if you find yourself sulking or blaming others for your failures, it might be time to ask for help.

Having healthy boundaries is another indicator of a healthy marriage, so be sure to set clear rules for yourself and your partner. These can include how much money you’ll spend, when you’ll talk about personal things and what your expectations are in terms of what you want from your relationship.

Boundaries are also important for protecting your marriage from outside forces, so it’s essential to make sure you’re both on the same page and that you stick to them. It’s also important to communicate your boundaries clearly, and to stand up to your spouse when they break them.