I can still recall the stories I read as a child or saw in the fairy tale movies. They all seemed to end with, “And they lived happily ever after. – The End.” However, you have probably noticed that real life rarely follows that simple script. It would be wonderful if we met our mate and lived happily ever after until the conclusion of our lives (The End), but that just isn’t what seems to happen for most people.
Yet, there are a couple of tips that we can pick up from those who have enjoyed lengthy marriages that just might be worth trying.
First, it is helpful to remember that you are a team. I am always amazed at NFL players on opposing teams who can’t seem to stand each other until they are selected to the Pro Bowl. At that point, for at least one game, they have to learn to execute plays together because they are now on the same team. Recognizing that fact can be the difference between winning and losing,
Second, try a little tenderness. It is so easy to get into a conflict with our mate, allow our emotions to ramp up, and the next thing we know, we are hurling insults and threats. Instead, try looking into the other person’s eyes, lowering your voice, and perhaps even holding their hand or touching them on the arm. Those small efforts can work to diffuse a boiling situation.
We may not have “Happily ever after” because life is not that neatly packaged. But we can certainly work for and achieve “Happier more of the time.” I hope that you can begin to experience that this Valentine’s Day.