CHARACTERISTICS OF HAPPY AND SATISFYING MARRIAGES

This is extract I have come across on the Facebook Happy Muslim Page:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3925244&id=225528852893&ref=mf#!/photo.php?pid=3873853&id=225528852893&ref=mf&fbid=378385522893

CHARACTERISTICS OF HAPPY AND SATISFYING MARRIAGES

[1. POSITIVITY]

Successful spouses have far more positive than negative interactions. If there is too much negativity — criticizing, demanding, name-calling, holding grudges, etc. — the relationship will suffer. However, if there is never any negativity, it probably means that frustrations and grievances are not getting air time and unresolved tension is accumulating inside one or both partners. The key is balance between the two extremes.

There are many ways to foster positivity in a marriage. Being affectionate, truly listening to each other, taking joy in each other's achievements and being playful are just a few examples of positive interactions that help make marriages successful.

[2. EMPATHY]

Another characteristic of happy marriages is empathy. Empathy means understanding a person's perspective by putting oneself in his or her shoes. Many researchers have shown that empathy is important for relationship satisfaction.People are more likely to feel good about their marriage and spouse if their partner expresses empathy towards them. Husbands and wives are more content in their relationships when they perceive that their spouses truly understand their thoughts and feelings.