Marriage Failures
The rate of marriage failures has been hovering around 50 per cent for
years now. The rate is even higher for second marriages. This isn’t the kind of
news we like to hear, as most agree that divorce can be tough on
everyone involved.
Relationship experts assert that there are various reasons why marriages
fail, but financial strain puts a big wedge between many married couples.
We live in a society that oftentimes teaches the “more is better”. You can’t
watch television long before being bombarded with commercials of the latest and
greatest gadgets and toys you must have.
It’s no wonder marriages are strained, as that’s a lot of pressure. The
reality is that “more” is in no way, shape, or form better. Rather, it
oftentimes puts undue stress on individuals and marriages, causing arguments
and breakups.
Can
Minimalism Help?
Minimalism is simple living. It’s a concept and practice where an
individual decides to live with less “stuff” and aim for a frugal, simpler
lifestyle. This includes things like finances, housing, and possessions.
Here are some tips that will help strengthen your marriage when it comes
to simplifying and adopting a minimalist mentality.
1. Less is more. When you and your spouse adopt the
mentality that less is more, you reduce or eliminate so much stress on both
ends. The breadwinner won’t be weighed down with thoughts of having to provide
an affluent lifestyle to keep up with the Joneses. And, both of you can learn
to be content with what you have now. You do not need to have many things
to feel worthy and successful. Declare this right up front in your
marriage and do your best to stick to it.
2. Communication success. When you can be open
and honest with your spouse about communicating what is really important in
life, your marriage has a better shot at making it. This goes for finances, too.
Have a serious discussion about money, possessions, the kind of
lifestyle you both want, and what kind of lifestyle will serve you best.
If you’re thinking of keeping up with the Joneses, who happen to be in debt up
to their ears, you’re going to battle down the road. You’re going to stress,
argue, and take the frustration out on each other. Be open, honest, and willing to do what is best for the whole family emotionally, mentally, and
financially.
3. Less stress. Realise that chronic stress is a main reason why people end
up sick. Chronic stress, especially from financial strain, can drain you
and your marriage. You’ll always be worried in the back of your mind
about money, and subliminally, you may project negative feelings onto your spouse
regarding the matter. Adopting a minimalist lifestyle assures you that
you and your family will avoid unnecessary stress. This increases your chances of
experiencing a happy and harmonious marriage.
4. Fewer ailments and sickness. Yes, you’ll both have
less stress and less sickness, which can make for a happier marriage.
5. More quality time. Instead of spending
countless hours taking care of and maintaining all of your possessions and toys,
by owning less, you’ll free up quality time to spend with each other.
Having quality time to spend with loved ones is very important, yet so many
couples busy themselves so busy that they neglect investing in their
relationship. They work overtime, come home to spend hours in the upkeep of
their home and toys, and when they do have an hour or two, they are too
exhausted to really enjoy each other’s company.
Does
Minimalism Solve Everything?
It would be naïve to think that minimalism solves all marriage problems,
because it doesn’t. However, choosing to live a simpler life can certainly
decrease stress in various areas. If you’re not sure, do your own
research on minimalism and listen to the stories families tell about how living
simply helps them. You can learn so much by talking to those who have adopted a
minimalist lifestyle.
Start a conversation with your fiancée or spouse about the minimalism
path. Honestly, gauge where you are right now financially and materially, possession-wise.
Have you bitten off more than you can chew?
Do you think you would feel lighter if you decluttered and/or downsized?
Go ahead. Begin simplifying and keeping an ongoing dialogue with your
spouse about the journey. You can even try it for a trial period to see
how it feels. You may be surprised at how much you enjoy it!
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