Even if you were never the star player on your high school basketball team, or team captain on your varsity volleyball team, it's safe to say that most people understand the basics of team sports.
Each sport has it's own unique set of rules, regulations, and guidelines. Team sports require teamwork, patience, knowing and excelling in your role, pulling your own weight, and understanding. While those concepts work perfectly well on the court or field, they also work surprisingly well in a marriage!
Family Share recently published an article on the commonalities of being in a relationship and being on a sports team, and we couldn't help but put in our own two cents. After all, there really are a lot of great ways to improve your marriage by implementing those old teamwork ideas your coaches taught you back in the day.
Here's a look at how a marriage and team sports are similar:
Be a team player
As you can imagine, a huge factor in team sports is being a team player. A marriage is no different. Teamwork is required to have a successful marriage. As a team you have to be ready to face adversity and losses, and overcome those challenges through strength and perseverance. The same can be said about a marriage. Whenever a problem arises, you and your spouse must work together to beat the opposition. No matter what, you must always have your teammate's back.
Chemistry
Okay so you probably have chemistry with your spouse or you wouldn't have made it this far, right? Well, more specifically, chemistry refers to playing to each other's strengths and weaknesses in order to produce incredible results. In team sports, one player may be better at offense than defense. To compensate, teammates must excel defensively to balance out the team. In a marriage, it's important to play to each other's strengths and weaknesses as well.
For example, if one of you is better at making dinner, while the other excels in assisting the kids with their homework, then help each other balance out the team. Play to your strengths, and your partner will play to theirs. In time, you'll see better results and amazing chemistry.
Acknowledge the coach's advice
Even though Michael Jordan has immortalized his name in the public conscious through his legendary ability and skill, he still needed a coach. The greatest players of all time still need a little bit of guidance here or there. Marriage is similar in that regard. Sometimes, when you and your partner hit a rough patch you have to acknowledge an outside perspective, and seek guidance from a wise source.
Instead of a basketball coach, you'll probably seek knowledge and help from a parent or counselor. In any case, it's important to remember that you and your partner always have something new to learn and develop, so you should always be ready to listen and learn. After all, no one is above the game.
Celebrate your triumphs and victories
Just because team sports and marriages require solid work ethic doesn't mean you can't celebrate a win. In team sports, great victories require great celebrations to cap off and commemorate your hard work and effort.
While you probably shouldn't throw a victory parade for having a stellar anniversary, or handling your family budget properly, it's still nice to rejoice when you excel in your relationship. Treat yourselves to something nice when your team of two does something extraordinary!
Never be afraid to revel and bask in your greatest achievements in a marriage because it helps motivate you and your partner to keep up the good work.
READ: 9 Signs that you can still save your marriage
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