Timeless Relationship Advice

Leidy and I have a good relationship and marriage.  Like a really good relationship.  But our relationship didn’t happen that way overnight.  It required us to choose each other and continue to choose each other every day.  It requires constant nurturing and commitment.  But the fruit of this labor is one of the most rewarding things life has to offer.  Choosing your partner day in and day out creates true authentic love.  The kind of love that endures when the going gets rough.  The kind of love one gets from marrying their best friend.  It is love that transforms and takes you places that weren’t possible on your own.

We wanted to share with all the newlyweds and recently engaged couples some of our timeless relationship advice.  Not just as Michigan wedding photographers but as a husband and wife team with a rock solid marriage.  While some of these tips might sound a little cliché, you have to admit that there is some truth in them.  But by listening to these tips you will strengthen your relationship for everlasting love.

Be upfront and honest.

In all things.  A relationship built on trust is solid.  It is the kind of relationship that endures when life gets hard. In a relationship built on trust, you know you can depend on your partner.  No matter what life throws your way.

Don’t stop dating each other.

When you first started dating the sparks of romance were like fireworks and butterflies were constantly in your stomach.  For most couples, those sparks fade with time because they become comfortable and no longer feel the need to put for the effort.  But the flame does not have to dwindle.  Continue to get to know each other and keep investing in romance.

Grow together.

You both will have your careers, your hobbies, and your friends.  And some of those things should remain separate outside of your relationship. They are unique to you.  But find something you both can learn together.  Whether that is learning how to dance together, cooking together, or starting a business together.  Find something that is new and challenges both of you to become better people together.

Learn each other’s love language.

We are big fans of The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapmen and constantly recommend his book to our brides and grooms.  Learning how to speak your partner’s love language will help you express your love in a way your partner best receives it.  It also helps to avoid a lot of misunderstandings.

Communication is everything. 

Often problems in relationships come from expecting something out of your partner when your partner has no idea.  Nobody can read another person’s mind.  Though once you are with someone long enough, you can come pretty close.  Speak your mind, express your feelings, and your relationship will be stronger for it.

Invest in friendship.

They say friendships are the best foundation for a relationship.  Get to a point where you would want to be your partner’s friend even if you weren’t romantically involved.

Laugh and enjoy life together.

Sometimes we get so caught up in the little day to day activities together that we lose sight of the picture and all the relationship advice in the world won’t help if you neglect this one thing.  Life is a journey and not a destination.  Enjoy the process of loving each other, growing old together, and having as much fun together along the way.