A Marriage Without Regrets – Do You Regret Getting Married?

a-marriage-without-regretsDo you regret getting married? Have you ever said to yourself “I regret getting married”? Is your marriage a happy marriage or an unhappy marriage? If you could do it all over again, would you still choose to be married to your spouse? Are you planning on getting married? Why? The sheer number of unhappy marriages and staggering divorce rates should give dating and/or engaged couples reason for pause, and serious consideration into building a happy marriage without regrets in order to avoid divorce altogether.

According to a study of 4000 married couples carried out by market research firm OnePoll.com, a quarter of married men and women regret getting married to their spouses, while 15% of engaged couples planning to get married have misgivings about their upcoming nuptials. Is it “cold feet” pre-wedding jitters, or is there something more serious going on? Why do people regret getting married?

The average married couple gives up on romance just two years, six months and 25 days into a marriage, according to the research poll. “We tend to think of marriage as something people do when they are in love but this survey reveals that people tie the knot for all sorts of different reasons,” OnePoll’s John Sewell said. “And many of them aren’t sure they want to get married — even as they are standing at the altar saying their vows, which may worry some brides and grooms-to-be.”

  • Four percent of the married people surveyed said they had gotten married for the wrong reasons, because they wanted wedding presents and a party, not because they were in love.
  • 23 percent said they would not marry their partner if they could do it all over again, and 14 percent wished they had married someone else from their past.
  • Only 28 percent confessed to being virgins when they met their future spouse, with some respondents saying they had slept with an average of four people before they met their marriage partner, and five percent admitted to having 20 or more previous sexual partners.
  • 35 percent said the person they married was not the best sexual partner they have ever had and another 33 percent said that being single was more fun than being married.
  • 12 percent of people surveyed said they stay with their partner just because they couldn’t be bothered to find someone new.
  • Fifteen percent of husbands and wives admitted to lying to each other about their love lives, with most decreasing the number of previous sexual partners while two percent admitted to boosting the number.
  • 83 percent of those surveyed said they couldn’t be bothered to celebrate the date they tied the knot by their third anniversary.
  • Seven out of ten men admitted they were so comfortable with their spouse they frequently left socks, pants and other dirty washing lying around the house, while 79 percent admitted they no longer bothered to put the toilet seat down.
  • 75 percent of men and women said they wouldn’t relinquish control over the remote control to their other half, even if they asked nicely.
  • Two thirds of the married women polled said they no longer put forth the effort to dress up and look nice for their spouse. Nearly a third said they stay on the far side of the bed, claiming they don‘t have time for sex with their husbands.
  • 54 percent of women polled no longer bothered wearing make-up; 61 percent admitted that they throw on a ratty T-shirt, comfy tracksuit bottoms or pajamas as soon as they got home from work, and 10 percent of married women said they don’t bother to wear sexy lingerie to spice things up in the bedroom.
  • 83 percent of couples surveyed held hands often while out during the first few months of marriage, compared to just 38 percent after a decade of being married.
  • Prior to the first wedding anniversary, partners would cuddle and hug more than eight times a day- compared with five or fewer after ten years of marriage. 60 percent said they hadn’t been surprised with a romantic night out since getting hitched.

John Sewell said, “It would appear that many are stuck in a rut, and whilst they still love their other half, they’re a little too comfortable in each others company. Couples need to find a good balance between feeling comfortable and taking each other for granted. The odd romantic meal would probably be all many couples need to spice things up a bit – and small gestures such as tidying up, and helping out with the housework would go a long way.”

Right and Wrong Reasons to Get Married


On Sale This Week at The Knot Wedding Shop
Marriage regrets often happen because dating and/or engaged couples haven’t considered their reasons for wanting to get married in the first place. Couples don’t think about the pros and cons of marriage, but choose to focus their time, attention and financial resources to the Cinderella wedding fairytale fantasy while planning a wedding that lasts just one day.

There are good reasons to get married and bad reasons to get married, but brides-to-be and grooms-to-be often pay too much attention to planning the fairytale fluff of the wedding day ceremony and reception, rather than planning and preparing for marriage and the difficulties that go with being married after the wedding day is over.

Brides-to-be often plan their wedding at The Knot Wedding Shop where decisions are made about the wedding budget, wedding dress, flowers, bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, ring bearers, wedding cake, grooms cake, wedding rings, wedding invitations, chapel or wedding venue options, the honeymoon, DJ, photographer and video etc. Your wedding day is just one day out of the rest of your life.

Marriage Without Regrets

If you really want a marriage without regrets that lasts a lifetime, you need to prepare for marriage, starting with asking the hard before marriage questions every couple should ask and answer before getting married in order to have a happy, successful marriage without any regrets.

  1. Resolving conflict in marriage
  2. Understanding each partner’s role
  3. Improving the sexual relationship
  4. Becoming financially wise
  5. Respecting and keeping marriage vows

Getting married for the wrong reasons can quickly lead to an unhappy marriage ending in divorce, because couples did not prepare for marriage properly, were too young to get married or didn’t consider the fact that being married and being happily married are two entirely different things.

See: How to Please a Woman in Bed, Pleasure and Satisfy Her Completely

The Art of a Good Marriage

The Art of a Good MarriageHappiness in marriage is not something that just happens.
A good marriage must be created.
In marriage the little things are the big things.
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say “I love you” at least once a day.
It is never going to sleep angry.
It is at no time taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue through all the years.
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together facing the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy.
It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is not looking for perfection in each other.
It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humor.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal.
It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.
(Author: Wilferd Arlan Peterson)

Related Posts:

How to Fight Fair in Marriage

How to Get Along With the In-Laws

Keeping the Fire Alive in Your Marriage

How to Spice Up Your Marriage

What Does it Mean to “Leave and Cleave”?


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Happy Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Day

I want to wish all you wonderful mom’s who read or visit my blog a wonderful, gloriously peaceful, relaxing Mother’s Day! I’ll be catching up on reading a book, spending time with my family, and anything else I feel like doing.

If you are new here, feel free to browse the categories that interest you on the left sidebar, leave a comment on posts you enjoy, or simply introduce yourself by leaving a comment below. I’ll be checking messages periodically throughout the day, and will reply to comments and messages received. Enjoy!

13 Things Mom Taught Me:

  1. To appreciate a job well done: “If you’re going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.”
  2. Religion: “You better pray that comes out of the carpet.”
  3. Travel: “If you don’t straighten up, I’m going to knock you into the middle of next week!”
  4. Logic: “Because I said so, that’s why.”
  5. More logic: “If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you’re not going to the store with me.”
  6. Osmosis: “Shut your mouth and eat your supper.”
  7. Contortionism: “Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!”
  8. Hypocrisy: “If I told you once, I’ve told you a million times. Don’t exaggerate!”
  9. Circle of Life: “I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.”
  10. Behavior modification: “Stop acting like your father!”
  11. Medical Science: “If you don’t stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way.”
  12. Wisdom: “When you get to be my age, you’ll understand.”
  13. Justice: “One day you’ll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you.”

Here are a few articles to get you started:

Happy Mother’s Day!!! Smile

How to Spice Up Your Marriage: Fun and Easy Ways to Add Romance to Your Relationship

How to Spice Up Your MarriageWhether it be married couples, or those in a long-term relationship with a significant other, it should be understood that happy and healthy relationships take a lot of work. The effort involved with deepening the connection between the couple can be enjoyed by both husband and wife (or significant other), thus developing a close intimate bond unlike any other kind of relationship. (Photo by Sean McGrath)

Based on the reaction of visitors and readers of this blog, married couples are looking for ways to improve their marriage and spice things up in the romance department at home. I’ve heard from a number of people that have read and enjoyed my article, Keeping the Fire Alive in Your Marriage, and are asking for more tips on adding spark and romance to their marital relationship.

If you are truly committed to making your marriage strong and healthy, with a bit of creativity and effort on the part of both husband and wife, romance can become second nature to you. Begin each day with the question, “What can I do today to show my husband/wife how much I love him/her?”

Grooming
It seems rather silly to me to have to point out what should be very obvious, but you would be surprised how many people have mentioned basic grooming habits being a problem in their relationship. Brush or comb your hair, brush your teeth, take a bath or shower every day, put on some makeup, get rid of those old nasty sweats and put on an outfit that shows that you care about your appearance. You know that old, worn out “favorite” shirt you’ve been hanging onto for years? Get rid of it! There isn’t much that can diminish the romantic feelings between husband and wife than to see your spouse looking frumpy and disheveled.

Ladies, put your hair up in a nice clip instead of a “scrunchy”, or take the time to curl your hair and make yourself look nice for your husband. Get rid of the granny panties and wear some underwear that is attractive and sexy for your man. Men, your wife is not likely to find you very appealing in those old, tattered sweats that you claim are so “comfortable”. Taking care of yourself and your body, losing those extra twenty pounds (or more) around your mid-section, will not only improve your health but will also increase your energy and sexual appeal.

Physical Touch
Begin each day by physically touching your spouse with hugs and kisses. Hold hands while sharing a cup of coffee or tea together; place your hand on your spouse’ leg while sitting together watching the morning news; gently caress your spouse’ face and say “You’re so beautiful, I love you”. Physical touch is very important in creating romantic atmosphere in the home, so when you arrive home from work be sure to hug and kiss your spouse, and continue physically touching each other throughout the evening.

A common problem in many marriages is where there is virtually no physical touch throughout the day and evening, but as soon as the kids are put to bed and the couple retires to the bedroom, there is an expectation that hot, sizzling sex is going to miraculously heat up the bedroom. Not! See: How to Please a Woman in Bed, Pleasure and Satisfy Her Completely for sex tips.

Romantic MassageFrequently offer foot massages, shoulder massages and full-body massages to your spouse. Purchase scented oils or lotions to make the massages not only soothing and relaxing, but to also turn up the sexual heat in the bedroom. Throw out the flannel gowns and wear a sexy, silky negligee that will make your husband want to touch you. Guys, those old boxers with the little holes in the seat aren’t working, so trade them in for something a bit more sexy for your wife to want to touch you. (Photo by zaphodsotherhead)

Listen
Pay close attention to subtle hints and comments about something your husband or wife wants to buy for themselves, and purchase it for them as a surprise. It doesn’t have to be anything expensive, but if your wife sees a purse she likes or a set of earrings she wants, make note of it and stop by the store and pick it up for her. If your husband mentions wanting a new tool for his toolbox, or mentions wanting a new gadget of some kind, take the time to go buy it for him as a “just because” gift. Pay close attention to clues for birthday, holiday or anniversary gift ideas, making a point to write them down so you won’t forget and end up struggling to find a gift your spouse really wants.

Has your partner mentioned a concert or sporting event they have interest in attending? Buy some tickets and go as a couple. Does your spouse enjoy craft shows, museums, art festivals or amusement parks? What are you waiting for?, buy some tickets and go! Do you often hear your partner singing or whistling a tune on the radio that they like? Find out who the artist is and buy the CD that includes the song.

Communication
Make time during the day to call or text message your husband or wife to let them know you are thinking about them. Don’t use that time to complain about the kids, or the in-laws, or bills piling up. Text message your husband or wife with a little naughty message in the middle of the day, with a teaser of what you have planned for the two of you once the kids are asleep in bed. Brag to your friends, family and co-workers about how lucky you are to have found such a wonderful, loving and supportive husband or wife. Talking in front of your spouse about your partner’s good qualities is romantic; notice the way your partner’s face lights up when you speak well of them to others.

Couples often complain that they don’t have much time to really communicate with each other, not with taking care of the kids, holding down one or more jobs, doing household chores and paying bills. If your children don’t have a normal bedtime routine, make one. Putting the kids to bed at a reasonable hour gives parents time to unwind from their day at work or other family responsibilities, allowing couples the needed time to focus attention on each other and the marriage.

Romantic Atmosphere
Make the home atmosphere as peaceful and romantic as possible. Turn off the TV. Make the dinnertime meal with the family a peaceful and calm one, rather than using that time to complain and gripe about how the kids upset you, or how the “honey-do list” is still untouched. Keep a ready supply of scented candles to make the home smell nice, turn on some soft romantic music and dim the lights.

Keep the home clean, toys picked up and put away, so your husband/wife doesn’t come home and wonder what you’ve been doing all day. You may have spent the entire day scrubbing floors and toilets, but none of that is likely to be noticed if your spouse is tripping over a trail of toys the moment he/she walks in the door.

Sex, Sex, Sex Baby!

Chocolate Covered StrawberriesMake sex and romance fun in your marriage. Buy some naughty adult sex games to play when the kids are asleep. There are many intimate games for couples available to spice up your sex life, regardless of whether you are married or not. Christian couples want and need sex in their marriage too, and by the way…, Adam and Eve had SEX, and SEX for married couples is talked about in the Bible too!

Create your own private collection of sex toys and change up the routine of when or where you have sex, because your sexual health and wellness depends on finding creative ways to spice up your marriage and your sex life! Have a playful pillow fight, chase each other around the bedroom (if there’s enough room), turn the game of Scrabble into a striptease game. Take a romantic bubble bath together, with wine and chocolate-covered strawberries, and feed them to each other seductively. (Photo by is.summer.breeze)

What are some fun and romantic ideas that you and your significant other have enjoyed in your relationship or marriage? What are some things you feel you need improvement on in regards to spicing up your marriage? Share your stories or tips by leaving a comment below.

Sex Every Day for Married Couples – 30 Day Sex Challenge
Keeping the Fire Alive in Your Marriage


Keeping the Fire Alive in Your Marriage

Elderly Couple in LoveWhen you think back to the days you and your spouse were dating, can you remember the things you said or did together that sticks out in your memory as something you will cherish for the rest of your life? Can you remember the days of holding hands; romantic candlelight dinners; talking quietly together while sitting by a roaring fire; picnics for two; walks in the park under the moonlight; laughing and joking about nothing in particular? How did it make you feel? Did you feel safe and secure, valued and appreciated? Truly loved? Can you remember the specific moment that you realized you had fallen in love with your now-husband or wife?

No matter how many years you have been married, keeping the romance alive and the fire embers burning bright in your marriage is something that is not only doable, but fun as well.

While it may be true that the initial passion and spark begins to wane after a period of time, fueled by the responsibilities of caring for children, laundry, jobs, the mortgage, soccer practice and dance recitals, many couples tend to forget that their first priority is to their spouse and marriage.

Keeping the fire alive in your marital relationship may be challenging, and sometimes it’s more work than we want to do, but the rewards are well worth the effort you put forth each and every day.

How to Keep the Home Fires Burning in Your Marriage:

Communication

Remember and maintain your friendship with your spouse with open and honest communication. Making time to be alone with each other MUST be a priority. Agree to not discuss the kids, jobs, bills or other stress related topics, but use the time to really connect with each other as friends and lovers. Express genuine appreciation and gratitude for the things your spouse does; compliment and FLIRT with your husband or wife!

Relationship experts agree that couples who understand the importance of maintaining and nourishing a healthy friendship with each other have the most satisfying, long-lasting marriages. It is not the responsibility of your spouse to read your mind and make you happy, but it is a relationship trap many people fall into because they are not communicating their needs and feelings properly. Remember to always say “I love you” during the good and wonderful times, as well as during the hard times.

Tip: When disagreements occur, hold hands throughout the entire discussion without letting go, as this works very well in greatly reducing the chances of saying something you may regret later. Trust me, it’s not as easy as it may seem.

Good and effective communication includes being a good listener, paying close attention to the spoken words but also the tone of voice and body language used, in order to get a complete understanding of what is being spoken. Have fun together! Be silly and goofy with each other, laugh a lot and enjoy the pleasure of each others company and one-on-one attention.

Let’s Get Physical

One very obvious sign of a couple lacking fire and romance in their marriage is when physical and affectionate touch has virtually ceased to exist in their relationship. Seeing elderly couples continuing to hold hands while walking or sitting closely together always puts a smile on my face, with my husband and I happily visualizing ourselves continuing to do the very same thing as the years go by.

Just sitting on the couch together watching television is an excellent opportunity to physically touch each other, hold hands and get the romantic sparks flying. Be affectionate and increase physical touch in your marriage (even if your sex drive isn’t what it used to be), along with creating a romantic environment in the home that is conducive to wanting to make love. Hugging, kissing, cuddling, giving each other back rubs and massages, all help to ignite fire and keep romance alive in marriage.

When you climb into bed each night, affectionately cuddle and hold each other for several minutes, rather than immediately turning away from each other to fall asleep. The more you practice spending time being affectionate and feeling more connected, the more your passion for each other will grow. See “How to Please a Woman in Bed” for sex tips!

Keeping the Fire Alive in Your Marriage
(Photo by: jpghouse)

Bring Back the Fun!

Be spontaneous! Do something unexpected to show your husband or wife that you are thinking of them. Schedule a weekly “Date Night For Two” where you do things together you both enjoy. Play free romantic couples games! Leave little love notes where your spouse is sure to find them. Does your spouse have a chore they despise? Do it for them!

Is your spouse meticulous about keeping their vehicle clean inside and out? Clean it for them, or take it to be done professionally as a surprise. Take a bike ride together. Go ice skating or roller skating together. Take a leisurely walk around the neighborhood while holding hands, talking about fun and happy times from your dating days.

Create opportunities for fun. Think back to the fun and exciting things you two did together while dating and recreate those occasions. Buy some naughty adult games to play together in the privacy of your bedroom. Sit together and browse through your wedding photos, or watch your wedding video, remembering the fun and excitement of your wedding day.

Monotonous routine can easily douse the romantic fire in any relationship or marriage, so change things up with creative surprises. Keep your focus on what is MOST important in your marriage; the two of you. Feed the fire that keeps marriage alive and passionate, and it will sizzle.

How do you and your spouse keep the fire alive in your marriage? What tips can you share that work well for your relationship?

Further Reading:

Sex Every Day for Married Couples – 30 Day Sex Challenge
How to Spice Up Your Marriage: Fun and Easy Ways to Add Romance to Your Relationship