Signs of a Healthy Marriage

Those who are in a healthy marriage can reap many benefits. People who are happily married often are healthier, live longer, and enjoy life more. You may be asking yourself whether or not your marriage qualifies as healthy. Of course, one of the first things to ask yourself is whether you and your spouse are happy. This is a pretty clear sign of a healthy marriage. There are other signs as well, but they may not be what you think. For example, you may think the fact that you and your spouse never fight is a sign of a healthy marriage, but this usually isn't the case. It doesn't have much to do with how many things you have in common either. Here are a few signs you and your spouse are in a healthy marriage.

You Can Say How You're Feeling

Being able to share your feelings is an important part of marriage. You should be able to tell it like it is to your spouse, and your spouse should be able to do the same to you. This doesn't mean that it never leads to a fight. However, if you feel like you can't completely be yourself or think you have to hold back to spare your partner's feelings, then you may need to reevaluate your approach. Your spouse should be the one person you can talk to about literally anything, especially if it involves your relationship.

You Are Happy Where You Are

Many people have this idea that they will be happier once they get a better job, have a baby, or start making more money. You should always be content where you are. This doesn't mean you aren't allowed to look forward to these things and want them. It's a good thing to set goals in life, but it shouldn't be what determines your happiness. Even when things in life aren't perfect, the two of you should be happy.

You're Equal

In general, financial and other large decisions should be made together as a couple. If you have one person calling all the shots all the time, it starts to feel a lot less like a partnership. This isn't healthy and is something you should work to avoid. This doesn't necessarily mean every single purchase needs to be discussed, but you should make sure you both know where the money in the bank account is going. It's perfectly fine for just one of you to do the budget each month, but having a conversation about potential changes or large purchases is important.

You Fight

It might seem odd that couples who fight are often in a healthy marriage, but there's a catch. Fighting is a very normal part of a relationship, because no couple is going to agree on absolutely everything. What's important is how you fight.

• Think about how often the two of you fight.
• Consider how soon it takes to come to a resolution.
• Once things are resolved, think about how you and your spouse feel.

A couple that fights in a healthy way will be able to come to a resolution without resorting to threatening or saying hurtful things. While this may happen sometimes, it should not be a regular thing.

On the other hand, a couple that never fights may not be being open with each other. If you give in easily or don't share your opinion on something because you are afraid it will lead to a huge fight, then you should consider working on better communication with your spouse.

These are just a few signs of a healthy relationship. Only you and your spouse can decide whether you are happy in your marriage or not. Generally, those who are content with where they are, aren't afraid to fight and speak their mind, and make decisions as a couple are more likely to be happy.