In a world inundated with carefully curated images of seemingly perfect marriages plastered across social media and popular culture, it’s easy to fall prey to the trap of comparing our own relationships to an idealized standard.
We think that all other marriages our perfect, and so we find ourselves longing for the picture-perfect romance we see portrayed, convinced that the grass must be greener on the other side. However, the truth is far from this illusion. Every marriage, without exception, has its own set of challenges and struggles. We just don’t see them as they are hidden behind the curtain.
Learning to be grateful for the marriage we have, rather than envious of the one we don’t, is a transformative mindset shift that can lead to greater fulfillment and contentment in our relationships.
Now days we are led to believe that if everything isn’t perfect in our life, if we don’t make a ton of money, have the perfect house, etc etc we should be ungrateful. The truth is we ALL have much to be grateful for and if we look at the things we do have instead of the things you don’t have, you will be much happier and more successful in life and marriage.
Again, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the portrayal of marriages in media is often far from reality. From romantic comedies to Instagram posts, we are bombarded with images of blissful couples frolicking through sun-kissed meadows or enjoying candlelit dinners against the backdrop of a breathtaking sunset.
These idealized depictions create unrealistic expectations and perpetuate the myth that true happiness in marriage is effortless and perpetual. In truth, every marriage, no matter how idyllic it may seem from the outside, faces its own set of trials and tribulations.
Check out a great podcast we did titled: 53. Why Comparing Your Marriage And Life To Others Can Destroy Yours!
Understanding that every marriage has its imperfections is the first step towards cultivating gratitude for our own relationship. Instead of fixating on the perceived flaws or shortcomings in our marriage, we can choose to focus on the many reasons why we should be thankful for what we have. Here are just a few:
Unconditional Support: Our spouse is our steadfast companion through life’s ups and downs, offering unwavering support and encouragement when we need it most. Whether we’re pursuing our dreams or weathering a storm, having a loving spouse by our side makes all the difference.
Shared Memories: Build cherished memories together, from romantic getaways to mundane moments spent curled up on the couch.
Growth and Development: Our spouse challenges us to grow and evolve as individuals, pushing us out of our comfort zones and encouraging us to become the best version of ourselves. Their love and support provide the foundation upon which we can pursue our goals and aspirations.
Intimacy and Connection: The intimacy we share with our spouse goes beyond physical attraction; it encompasses emotional intimacy, trust, and mutual understanding. These deep bonds of connection enrich our lives in ways that cannot be measured.
Companionship: At the end of the day, having someone to share life’s joys and sorrows with is a gift in itself. Our spouse is not just our romantic spouse but also our confidant, ally, and friend.
By shifting our focus from what we lack to what we have, we open ourselves up to a world of gratitude and abundance in our marriage. Instead of comparing our relationship to an unattainable standard, we can celebrate the unique strengths and qualities that make our marriage special.
In conclusion, the grass is not always greener on the other side, and true happiness in marriage cannot be measured by external appearances or societal expectations. By embracing gratitude for the marriage we have, flaws and all, we can cultivate a deeper sense of appreciation for the love, companionship, and support that our spouse brings into our lives.
After all, the most beautiful love stories are not the ones that are perfect, but the ones that are built on a foundation of genuine love, understanding, and gratitude.
Ultimate Intimacy
