[AussieD]

With so many marriage break ups these days, what makes for a happy lasting marriage,do you think? My thoughts on this are here. http://marriage.families.com/blog/wh...sting-marriage Is a happy lasting marriage something you have talked about with your spouse and friends? Were you ideas different or similar?

[Chipwag64]

I often wonder, not what makes a marriage happy, but how people define a marriage?
I believe that the definition of marriage itself includes happiness and lasting endurance.In other words, within the definition of marriage there is the view towards happiness for both husband and wife as well as endurance to the end by working through the difficulties, sharing the joys and sorrows, sacrifice, unselfish love, compassion etc.
If the understanding is not mutually, "Your mine and I'm yours FOREVER", don't expect a happy marriage.
I truly believe that many marriages fail because the very institution has been misunderstood, redefined and abused to the point where individuality reigns.
I don't believe happiness is the FOUNDATION for the marriage, it's the PRODUCT of a union where the couple lives as one unit. I believe that this ideal works not only in marriage, but in all relationships.
There will always be misunderstandings, hurts, slights, unforseen circumstances, problems etc., in ALL relationships,that's not really the issue.
The issue is how we deal with them, do we stay the course at all costs and work, or bail?
In conclusion, I believe that when marriage is properly understood, there will be a lifetime of benefits that far outweigh the short-lived difficulties, and every victory after times of trials will only strengthen and solidify the marriage.

[AussieD]

I'm so pleased someone answered. Good points Chipwag64. I agree.It's always about how we deal with things and commitment.