Celebrating 15 years of marriage this year, I’ve had the pleasure of knowing my husband, Jake, for over two decades. Our early romance was filled with sparks and excitement, but as we’ve navigated through life’s ups and downs—like buying a house, raising two kids, and adopting a dog—my understanding of a strong marriage has evolved. It’s no longer just about candlelit dinners and surprise date nights; it’s about teamwork, shared responsibilities, and a mutual understanding of each other’s quirks.
Even though the initial thrill may have faded, our bond is stronger than ever. Trust me, nothing brings a couple closer than handling a toddler’s midnight sickness together. While we may not keep score of our date nights or intimacy, there are clear signs that indicate our marriage is built to endure.
Here are 25 authentic signs that your marriage is thriving—and spoiler alert: none involve surprise flower deliveries!
- You can’t imagine binge-watching your favorite series without each other, and feel guilty if you do.
- He surprises you with coffee after his morning school drop-off, remembering your exact preferences.
- You don’t mind when his feet brush against yours in bed.
- He gets it when you hand him the toddler as soon as he walks in the door and doesn’t bat an eye when you say, “I’m outta here.”
- You’ve both moved past asking each other for permission to spend money.
- You’ve accepted that he’ll never load the dishwasher properly.
- He knows you’ll never take out the trash or handle the yard work.
- He’s given up on buying you fancy lingerie and now knows your heart lies with comfy pajamas.
- Watching him fold laundry is now oddly attractive.
- When you hear him say, “Mom already said no,” you know he’s on your side in the parenting battles.
- He’s seen you at your most vulnerable and still finds you desirable.
- He cherishes the marks of motherhood on your body, seeing the woman he fell for.
- You’ve endured his less-than-pleasant moments and it hasn’t affected your intimacy.
- He never questions your shoe purchases, and you turn a blind eye to his car parts.
- You both agree that the ’90s had the best music.
- He knows your drink order by heart, even when you’re not there to place it.
- He insists on dancing to your wedding song whenever it plays at events.
- He’s the one person you’ll admit your mistakes to—and he keeps it a secret.
- He respects your playful threats about leaving him for your celebrity crush.
- He’ll tell you when your hairstyle isn’t working, and you’ll gently remind him when he looks outdated.
- You stood by him through his intense workout phase and the aftermath.
- You can exchange glances at a party that say, “Let’s get out of here after one more drink.”
- You’ve endured your kids’ performances, agreeing that some talents just aren’t there.
- Your date nights are now quick drinks after grocery shopping, and you treasure those moments.
- You both know that you’re the only ones who can tolerate each other’s quirks.
Marriage can be challenging, especially amidst the chaos of daily life and parenting. Yet, if you look closely, you’ll see that the blue eyes gazing back at you from across the dinner table would choose this journey all over again—well, maybe minus the late-night cleaning duty.
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Summary: A strong marriage is built on mutual understanding, teamwork, and shared experiences. From navigating parenting challenges to enjoying each other’s company, these 25 signs showcase the depth of your connection.