Marriage is full of ups and downs just like a roller coaster. Sometimes it is a complete thrill and exciting and other times it’s painful and filled with extreme lows. The secret to a happy married life lies in knowing how to enjoy the good times and ride out the bad ones.

Don’t take the good times for granted

It’s important not to take the good moments for granted and instead cherish them. The memory of these good times can get you through the hard times.

Have empathy for your spouse

When you’re married, your spouse’s problems are your problems. So when your spouse is feeling down, you need to dig deep and show empathy and understanding. When they express their thoughts and feelings, validate them and show them that you understand.

Showing empathy allows you and your spouse to be close and build emotional intimacy. Even when you’re having marriage problems, it can help to shift the mood.

Be Vulnerable

The best way to go through the ups and downs of married life is with openness and vulnerability. This helps you to see the other person’s perspective and learn from your experiences.

Part of being vulnerable is voicing your emotions and concerns openly while at the same time being open to hearing your spouse’s concerns. Communication in marriage helps to strengthen your emotional connection with your spouse.

Be patient

Patience is an important part of riding out the hard times. Whatever hard times you’re facing are not going to be there forever but the angrier you are, the harder it will be to get through them. One of the best ways to develop patience is to seek an understanding of the situation. Most situations are a lot less annoying when you understand why things are the way they are.

Remember why you got married

When all else fails, look to the past and remind yourself why you married your spouse in the first place. Remember the feelings you had and try to rekindle them through romantic acts. That feeling of being in love can be very helpful when you’re trying to ride out the bad times.

Married life is a roller coaster but the secret to healthy relationships is to avoid panicking during the tough times and cherish the good times.