Marriage
The Art of a Good Marriage: Love’s Enduring Masterpiece
“The little things are the big things.” — Wilferd A. Peterson
Do you think Wilferd’s opening words from his well-known poem “The Art of Marriage” are true? It demonstrates that, in reality, the smallest things are often the most important. Or that the most valuable things are usually the ones that look insignificant.
It is, in fact, true.
While it’s the pinnacle of relationships, marriage is also an entirely novel journey. Everything begins at this point. Stepping up to this new level in your relationship usually starts with the simple things, and it’s from these small actions that the foundations of marriage grow.
What is the art of a good marriage?
The majority of people think that two people’s compatibility is the backbone of a successful marriage. They believe that for a man and a woman to have a good marriage, they must view the world similarly, be alike in many aspects, and never disagree on things.
While that is important in a healthy marriage, it is NOT the only thing that makes a good marriage. In fact, misunderstandings and disagreements are unavoidable in any form of relationship, including marriage.
So take note: A marriage is only as good as the couple’s ability to resolve conflicts. And to do so, open and honest communication is required. It is, after all, with communication that one can feel heard and valued. It is where they can air out their concerns without fear of judgment.
On top of that, mutual respect is also essential for a marriage to flourish. It’s when couples have a deep sense of trust and support for each other. They respect boundaries, opinions, and even their individualities.
And then there’s altruism. When couples consider the other’s welfare above their own, their marriage thrives. This effort is reciprocal, meaning it only works if both are putting in the same effort; otherwise, the marriage is one-sided.
The above-mentioned are a few of the seemingly minor factors that can have an enormous impact on a marriage. When people are able to put these small deeds into practice, that’s when you consider a marriage good.
However, a good marriage is not handed to people on a silver platter. It requires effort and dedication from both partners. It is created by them; built from the foundations of a healthy partnership.
So what keeps a good marriage, well, good? How do you ensure the couple stays committed to each other after all that effort?
Here’s where love comes into the picture. Love is the thread that keeps a marriage from falling apart. And when a marriage is based on love, all that effort will be worth it in the end.
However, love is oftentimes viewed as too ordinary. Many people underestimate its power in a relationship. Hence, some may start dating despite its absence. And here lies the problem.
People should know before committing that love IS the definition of the art of a good marriage. It alone can make or break a marriage.
It can make things possible, while at the same time make them impossible. It is both big and small. And it goes beyond boundaries.
Love is the reason good marriages last longer than others.
Because love makes two people appreciate their journey to a lifelong union and overcome any challenges that may come. Marriage becomes everlasting because of love.
Remember the final lines of Wilferd’s famous poem,
“It is not only marrying the right partner. It is by being the right partner.”
So, make the right choice and be the right one. That’s how you carve the masterpiece of love.
Reference:
Ranseth, Joseph. 2011. The Art of Marriage by Wilferd A. Peterson.
https://josephranseth.com/the-art-of-marriageby-wilferd-a-peterson/#:~:text=Peterson,-by%20josephranseth%20%7C%20Jul&text=The%20Art%20of%20Marriage%20is,Peterson%20published%20in%201961.
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