10 Signs of a Good Marriage

My clients frequently ask me: “How do I know my marriage is a good marriage?” Of course, every marriage is different. For example, haven’t you ever told yourself, “I could never be married to my friend’s spouse?”

Yes, even being married to someone you love, respect, and cherish includes days where you would like it very much if your spouse would go away for a few days.

Put those moments aside and concentrate instead on this tested and trusted list of top signs of a good marriage.

Make a note of which attributes of a good marriage you need to improve—and discuss those issues together.

Explain what is bothering you. But keep in mind that disagreements and disappointments are handled best when you act with kindness and a mindset of focusing as quickly as possible on a shared solution rather than blame and anger.

So, if you have ever wondered ‘do I have a good marriage’? Here are ten signs of what does a good marriage look like. 

1. Appreciation

You feel lucky to have found each other. You can’t imagine being with anyone else.

2. Kindness

You have developed effective and kind ways of dealing with hot topics, such as spending, and you arrive at a course of action without blaming, accusing, or dismissing your spouse’s point of view.

3. Affection and intimacy

You are both attracted to each other. You are affectionate and enjoy being intimate with each other. You can also talk openly and sensitively about any sexual issues.

4. Spending time together

You enjoy “just hanging out together.” You enjoy watching your favorite television shows together, hanging out with your children, if you have any, going for a walk—and even running errands together.

5. Respect

You respect and value each other. No one is perfect, but you have high regard for how your spouse acts and thinks—and what he or she has overcome.

Also, watch Dr. Emerson Eggerichs explain how love and respect are essential for marriage understanding and communication.

6. Healthy communication

You understand each other, and you listen with care when your spouse needs your support regarding issues that are important to him or her.

7. Future planning

You share child-rearing tasks and responsibilities. Even if you are not on the same page about a particular issue, you listen, learn from your spouse’s view, and develop a shared course of action.

8. You laugh a lot together

Laughter brings people together, and if you and your spouse find each other laugh a lot together, it is a sign that you share a very similar understanding of humor.

This enhances your bond with your partner.

9. Excitement

You look forward—and even feel excited—to see each other at the end of the day or a long time apart.

10. Growing together

You have helped each other grow into being a happy, productive, caring, and wise person.