There are many misconceptions that people embrace, especially when it comes to marriage, especially new marriages. It’s easy to get caught up in thinking things should automatically be a certain way when two people are in love. It doesn’t always work like that.
Here are three misconceptions that can have an impact on your marriage:
Love Conquers All
Love can do a lot of things, and it even has some healing properties, but love does not conquer all. Things can happen that will come between even the most loving couples. The fact that two people love each other isn’t always enough, although sharing an unconditional love can help see us through some of the worst things life can throw at us. Unconditional love is a love that takes effort. It’s not the romantic, “in love” emotional type of feeling.
Love Means Never Having to Say Sorry
Whoever coined this phrase may have done couples a disservice. While it sounds nice, most experts would agree that you do need to apologize and seek forgiveness when you hurt another person. If you do not, the other person may feel that you don’t care enough about him or her to make things right.
If He Really Loved Me, He’d Know…
This can be applied to both men and women and both need to remember that your spouse cannot read your mind. Not knowing what you’re thinking or feeling at any given moment is not an indication of a lack of love. In fact, it is the selfish person that expects the other person to always know what to do and say without input. Also, using the statement, “If you really loved me, you would do….” is simply manipulation.
A big hurdle in many marriage is unrealistic expectations. Make sure you don’t go into marriage with a fairy tale idea of what it should be like. It’s also important to have good communication skills. Don’t assign motives or expect mind reading. Be open about what you think and feel.