Nowadays, to keep a happy and lasting marriage may be viewed as something that is immensely challenging—a herculean task indeed. In spite of that common viewpoint, we know that a majority of single people want to get married and hope that their union will last a lifetime. What better way than to learn from time tested and foolproof guides of our lolo and lola’s super sweet love stories? What are some relationship advice from elders that can help keep the romance alive?
Timeless Relationship Advice from Elders
1. “Ang pag-aasawa ay hindi katulad ng mainit na kanin na kapag isinubo mo at napaso ka ay pwede mong iluwa.”
Marriage is a lifelong commitment, no excuses. The goal is to fulfill your oath of loving and taking care of each other in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer. You even added “till death do us part”, remember?
Value your promise to each other and work hard to make it work till the end. Yes, both of you are in for the fun and rough ride of life, so stick together!
2. “Ang pag-ibig at tiwala ay parang isang pares ng tsinelas, walang kuwenta ang isa kung di kasama yung isa.”
The secret of a successful marriage is to deeply listen to each other, to heed their advice, to respect your partner and to attend to their needs. Prioritize each other.
Your partner is your best friend, greatest supporter and no.1 fan!
3. “Pag may hirap, may ginhawa.”
Marriage is not exclusively comprised of happy moments. Tough times will arise and challenges may test your love and loyalty. To strive together and to see each other through it all will be most ideal. However, newlywed couples experiencing a rough start might entertain the idea of divorce.
Is that wise?
When it comes to relationship advice from elders, our lolos and lolas offer a treasure trove of wisdom indeed! | image courtesy: dreamstime
In our country, matrimony is viewed as sacred, making divorce a foreign idea. However, some countries have it legalized.
Wise elders view commitment as a discipline, a process where you become more accomplished through continual practice over an entire lifetime.
Think about that before considering separation…don’t give up too easily!
4. “Pag may tiyaga, may nilaga. “
They don’t call them the fruits of labor for nothing. Hard work and perseverance are needed to reach both of your goals. If you and your partner keep trying, one day you will enjoy the results of your efforts.
This is a worthy piece of relationship advice from elders that means that we should trust the process, knowing it is a constant trial and error cycle. It won’t be easy and it is a long andwinding journey but by making short-term sacrifices, couples are rewarded for their efforts with their long term goal, that is a lasting, loving partnership.
5. “Matibay ang walis palibhasa’y magkabigkis.”
Generally, people gain strength by standing and doing things together. As a couple, you should have each other’s back through thick and thin!
Marriage requires teamwork so constantly persist, endure and work diligently with whatever curve balls life throws at you to ultimately win.
6. “Ang ‘di marunong mag-ipon walang hinayang magtapon.”
You wouldn’t want to have money-related arguments with your spouse, would you?Learn to save and value your hard-earned money for your family’s future. It’s not just romance that you need to work on. According to this practical piece of relationship advice from elders, respecting and honoring your commitment to help care for your family is a key ingredient of a satisfied, fulfilling relationship. Time to show off your award-winning budgeting skills!
7. “Bago ka bumati ng sa ibang uling, uling mo muna ang iyong pahirin. “
Marriage may match your expectations while also surprise you at the same time. Not everything will go as planned. In these times of new experiences and difficult situations, new skills and strengths will arise and develop for you and your partner. Let it.
As imperfect individuals, it can be easy to focus on the negative aspects of your partner. Therefore, practice paying attention to his positive aspects and your successes as a team while rooting for each other to be your best selves. Be loving with your criticism and open to feedback.
Remember, both of you are doing your best!
There is truly a sublime beauty in being in the arms of the same person, the one you have deeply known and loved for 25, 50 or even 70 years. To enjoy the journey together, supporting each other reach their full potential is beyond amazing!
The reward comes in the form of peace of mind, security, delight and fulfillment that our lolo and lola’s now enjoy. They tell us that marriage is for a lifetime, composed of both challenges and joys, and truly well worth it all.
Also READ: 9 signs your spouse doesn’t respect you