Marriage is a journey, one filled with ups, downs, and everything in between. This week, I had a heartwarming conversation with my cousin, who just celebrated her 14th wedding anniversary. As someone who’s been married for seven years myself, it was a chance to reflect on the lessons we’ve both learned. Here are some pearls of wisdom we shared—lessons that I believe can inspire any couple looking to nurture their relationship.
1. Make Time for Each Other
When I congratulated my cousin on 14 years of marriage, I asked her, “What would you say you’ve learned these 14 years that keeps standing out?” Her response was simple yet profound: “making time for each other is very important. Life gets busy, and it can be hard to do, but keeping the flame burning is essential”. In the whirlwind of work, kids, and daily responsibilities, it’s easy for couples to become more like co-managers of a household than romantic partners. Prioritizing quality time together—whether it’s a date night, a quiet evening walk, or even just an uninterrupted conversation—is essential for keeping the connection alive.
2. Embrace the Moment
In addition to prioritizing each other, I’ve learned the importance of enjoying the moments you have and embracing them. From the loud dinner times to cleaning 100 times a day, these seemingly mundane moments are where we make memories for our kids and ourselves. Traveling more together as a family has also been a key lesson—it takes us out of our daily routine and creates cherished shared adventures. I’ve also realized that it’s important not to be too focused on completing everything on a to-do list. Tasks will always be there, but we and our kids grow up. These are the golden years, and they’re meant to be treasured.
3. Travel Together
Whether it’s a weekend road trip or a family vacation, traveling together as a couple or as a family is a beautiful way to reconnect. It takes you out of your daily routine and gives you the chance to experience new things together. Those shared adventures become stories you’ll cherish and laugh about for years to come.
4. Accept Imperfection
Both my cousin and I agree: things don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Letting go of the need to “get everything done” can be liberating. When we accept the imperfections in life—and in each other—we make room for gratitude and connection.
Closing Thoughts
Marriage isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. The lessons we learn along the way often come from the challenges we face, the moments we share, and the love we nurture. Whether you’re celebrating 14 years, seven years, or just starting out, remember to make time for each other, embrace the chaos, and treasure the journey. These truly are the golden years.