Below are 20 wise marriage tips from a man who recently went through a divorce. You might not expect relationship advice from someone who lost his marriage, but sometimes, hindsight offers the clearest wisdom. After 16 years of marriage, here’s what he wishes he had known:
- Never Stop Dating. Don’t take her for granted. Keep courting her like you did before marriage. She chose you—never forget that, and never get complacent in your love.
- Protect Your Own Heart. Just as you guard hers, protect yours. Keep a sacred space in your heart that only she can enter.
- Fall in Love Again and Again. You and your wife will change over time. Choose her every day, or she may drift away.
- Focus on the Good. What you focus on grows. See the best in her, and let that love deepen.
- Don’t Try to Change Her. Love her as she is. If she changes, embrace it, whether it’s what you expected or not.
- Own Your Emotions. Your happiness is your responsibility. Don’t expect her to fix your feelings.
- Take Accountability. If she triggers your frustration, look inward. Your reactions are about your wounds, not her actions.
- Be Her Safe Place. When she’s upset, don’t fix—just hold her. Let her know she’s heard, valued, and supported.
- Be Playful. Don’t take life too seriously. Laughter makes love easier.
- Know Her Love Language. Find out what makes her feel cherished and show her love in those ways daily.
- Be Fully Present. When you’re with her, give her your full attention—mind, body, and soul.
- Embrace Passion. Pursue her like you did in the beginning. Let her feel the strength of your love and desire.
- Accept Mistakes. You will mess up, and so will she. Learn and grow together.
- Give Her Space. She gives so much; sometimes, she needs to recharge. Encourage her to care for herself.
- Be Vulnerable. Share your fears and weaknesses. Let her see the real you.
- Be Transparent. Trust requires honesty. Share everything, even the hard truths.
- Keep Growing Together. Stagnation kills love. Work on shared dreams and keep evolving.
- Work as a Team. Money is just a game—play it together instead of letting it drive you apart.
- Forgive Quickly. Don’t carry the weight of past mistakes. Let go and focus on the future.
- Always Choose Love. Let love guide every decision. When in doubt, choose love.
Marriage isn’t about “happily ever after.” It’s about commitment, effort, and growth. If your marriage is struggling, take responsibility for your part and apply these lessons while you still have time.
Men—this is your challenge: Be the kind of husband your wife can’t stop bragging about.
