Lisa O
Marriage is one of the most talked-about relationships, yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Why? Because we absorb ideas about it from everywhere—movies, social media, family traditions, and even well-meaning advice from older generations. Over time, these ideas turn into “rules” that people accept as facts, even when they aren’t true. Here are 10 myths about marriage that people still believe.
Happy Couples Never Fight
Many people think arguing is a sign of trouble, but in reality, it’s the opposite. Couples who never disagree might be bottling up issues rather than addressing them. The key isn’t to avoid fights but to fight fair—no name-calling, no bringing up past mistakes, and definitely no silent treatment. Healthy disagreements lead to better understanding and a stronger bond.
Your Partner Should Complete You
The idea that marriage makes you “whole” is romantic but misleading. If you rely on your spouse to fulfill all your emotional needs, you’ll end up disappointed. A great marriage happens when two independent individuals support each other’s growth, not when one person leans entirely on the other. Imagine a relationship where both partners are happy on their own but even happier together—that’s the real goal.
Marriage Gets Boring Over Time
Not necessarily! What actually happens is that love changes form. The honeymoon phase, full of butterflies and excitement, naturally fades, but it makes room for something deeper—trust and emotional intimacy. The partners who keep their marriage exciting are the ones who put in the effort.
Having Kids Strengthens a Marriage
Kids bring joy, but they also bring sleepless nights, stress, and a lot of responsibility. If a couple already has issues, children won’t magically fix them. In fact, the added pressure can make things worse. The best thing parents can do for their children is to work on their own relationship first—because a happy, connected couple makes for a healthier family environment.
Love Is Enough to Sustain a Marriage
Love is important in marriage, but it’s just one piece of the whole puzzle. A successful marriage needs respect, effort, and compatibility. Think of it like a plant—you can’t just admire how beautiful it is; you have to water it every day, give it sunlight, and occasionally remove the weeds.
Married Couples Must Share Everything
This idea sounds romantic, but in reality, personal space is important. Having separate interests, hobbies, and even friendships isn’t a sign of distance—it’s a sign of a healthy, balanced relationship. Imagine spending every waking moment together—eventually, you’d run out of things to talk about. A little independence actually brings fresh energy into a marriage and prevents it from feeling suffocating.
Good Marriages Are Effortless
If a relationship feels effortless, it’s usually because one or both partners are ignoring problems rather than solving them.Every strong marriage takes work—not in a draining, exhausting way, but in a way that requires intentionality. Couples who stay happy put in the effort to communicate, appreciate each other and adapt to life’s changes. Even fairy-tale marriages require behind-the-scenes effort to stay magical.
The Honeymoon Phase Lasts Forever
It doesn’t—but that’s not a bad thing! The initial rush of romance eventually settles into something deeper. Think of it like a candle vs. a fireplace. The candle burns bright but fades quickly; the fireplace gives warmth and lasts much longer. The excitement of new love is thrilling, but the comfort of deep, lasting love is irreplaceable.
Couples Should Always Feel In Love
Feelings are like the weather—sometimes sunny, sometimes cloudy, and sometimes something in between. Even the happiest couples don’t wake up every day feeling head-over-heels. There will be days when love feels distant, but that’s normal. Commitment is what carries a relationship through these phases. And often, love comes back even stronger when nurtured through life’s ups and downs.
Divorce Means Failure
No one enters marriage expecting a divorce, but sometimes, it’s the best decision. A marriage ending doesn’t mean it wasa mistake—it simply means it ran its course. Some relationships are meant to last a lifetime, while others serve a purpose for a specific season of life. What truly matters is whether both people are happy.
