One of life's most important moments is getting married. For newlyweds, this transition into a new chapter brings a lot of joy, but it can also come with challenges. Adjusting to living with someone 24/7, managing differences, and keeping the love alive requires effort from both partners. Here’s some helpful relationship advice for newly married couples to create a strong foundation and build a happy, long-lasting marriage.

1.  Communication is Key

Honest and open communication is one of the most important components of a successful marriage. Newly married couples should prioritize talking about their feelings, desires, concerns, and even their frustrations. Instead of assuming, it’s better to ask questions and express your thoughts clearly. This will help prevent misunderstandings and allow you both to work through issues together.

However, sometimes mental health problems like anxiety or trauma can make communication difficult. A person dealing with anxiety might find it hard to express themselves or fear conflict, leading to avoidance of important conversations. Both partners must be patient and understanding, giving each other the space and support needed to talk openly. Communication in a marriage is not just about sharing words, but also about being emotionally present and empathetic to each other’s struggles.

2.  Maintain Respect for Each Other

Respect is a fundamental part of any relationship. Even when you disagree or argue, it’s important to maintain respect for your partner. Stay clear of humor, name-calling, and raising your voice when you disagree. Instead, try to focus on the issue at hand, not your partner's character.

For some individuals, low self-esteem or past trauma can make them especially sensitive to criticism or harsh words. If one partner struggles with self-worth or is working through past wounds, it’s important to approach conflicts with compassion. Words can either heal or hurt and being mindful of how we communicate can make a huge difference in nurturing a positive and respectful environment.

3.  Learn to Compromise

No two people are exactly alike, and marriage brings together two different individuals with their personalities, habits, and ways of thinking. Disagreements are inevitable, and what strengthens a relationship is not the absence of conflict but the ability to understand and work through it by compromising. However, for some people, dependence or a need for control can interfere with the ability to compromise. If one partner is overly dependent or struggles with rigid thinking patterns, it can lead to a lack of flexibility or difficulty in seeing the other person’s perspective. Being aware of these tendencies and making a conscious effort to meet halfway is crucial for a healthy, balanced relationship. When stress or low motivation arises, focusing on mutual understanding and finding common ground can alleviate tension and foster growth. Practicing self-improvement in the art of compromise enhances both individual and collective well-being.

4.  Make Time for Each Other

Life can get busy, especially after marriage. Between work, household responsibilities, and social obligations, it can be easy to forget to spend quality time with your partner. However, setting aside time for each other is essential for maintaining a healthy connection. In some cases, social addiction or the tendency to prioritize external relationships and activities over the marriage can hinder quality time with your partner. Whether it's the lure of social media, constant interaction with friends, or excessive work commitments, balancing external demands and nurturing your marriage is important. Goal setting can help ensure that time spent together is a priority. Remind yourself that your spouse is your priority, and investing time in your relationship strengthens both the connection and the bond between you. Making your relationship a top priority amidst the chaos of life can reduce stress and increase emotional satisfaction.

5.  Be Patient with Each Other

The first year of marriage often requires adjustment, and it’s natural to experience some growing pains. You’re learning to live with someone new, and it can take time to fully understand each other’s habits and needs. However, it’s also important to recognize that mental health issues like trauma or anxiety can affect a person's emotional reactions. For example, someone with a history of trauma might struggle with triggers that create tension in the relationship. Instead of reacting with anger or impatience, it’s helpful to create a safe space for healing. Resilience is key in navigating these emotional challenges together. Allow time for both partners to adapt and be patient with each other’s emotional processes. Creating a compassionate and supportive environment can also reduce the risk of loneliness in the relationship and strengthen your bond.

6.  Keep the Romance Alive

While the initial excitement of marriage might fade over time, it’s important to continue nurturing the romance. It takes work and imagination to keep the spark alive. Small gestures, like a surprise text, a spontaneous hug, or a thoughtful gift, can go a long way in keeping the romance alive. When struggling with mental health challenges like depression, it can be hard to feel romantic or energized. If either partner is experiencing feelings of sadness or hopelessness, the other needs to offer encouragement and affection without pushing too hard. Creating a positive environment with simple, kind acts can help reinvigorate the emotional intimacy in the relationship. Nurturing the romance is also vital in preventing the relationship from becoming a toxic relationship marked by emotional neglect, which can lead to cheating and infidelity. Keeping the connection strong reduces the temptation to seek affection elsewhere.

7.  Support Each Other’s Growth

Both partners need to keep developing personally during their marriage. A strong relationship allows space for both of you to pursue your dreams and goals. Support each other in your personal growth, whether it’s pursuing a new career, a hobby, or educational goals. However, mental health challenges like substance addiction or dependence can significantly hinder personal growth. If one partner struggles with substance abuse or addiction, it can place immense strain on the relationship. It’s important to address these issues together, perhaps with professional help or online counselling. Platforms like TalktoAngel offer valuable resources and connect you with the best psychologists in India who can help you navigate these challenges. Supporting each other’s growth also means helping each other tackle mental health challenges in a compassionate and non-judgmental way, ultimately strengthening your partnership and resilience.

Conclusion

Marriage is an ongoing journey, and newlyweds have the opportunity to lay a strong foundation for a loving, healthy, and long-lasting relationship. By communicating openly, showing respect, learning to compromise, and making time for each other, couples can build a fulfilling partnership. Patience, romance, and supporting each other’s growth are also important elements to keep the love alive. Keep in mind that although marriage demands work from both partners, the benefits of a contented, caring, and supporting relationship make the difficulties worthwhile.

Contribution: Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist, life coach & mentor TalktoAngel & Ms Sakshi Dhankar, Counselling Psychologist.

References

• Berman, L. (2011). The passion prescription: The eight secrets of getting the love you want. Random House.

• Chapman, G. (1995). The 5 love languages: The secret to love that lasts. Northfield Publishing.

• Gray, J. (1992). Men are from Mars, women are from Venus. HarperCollins.

• Johnson, S. (2004). Hold me tight: Seven conversations for a lifetime of love. Little, Brown and Company.

• Lerner, H. (1997). The dance of anger: A woman’s guide to changing the patterns of intimate relationships. HarperCollins.

• Orbuch, T. (2015). 5 simple steps to take your marriage from good to great. Wiley.