Two on Two 💕

Today, the 2nd day of the 2nd month, Pao and I are celebrating our 2nd month as a married couple, and I am writing my 2nd post for the year. 😍

I initially wanted to share my January highlights and/or something about our wedding, but since we're still sorting the official photos (and waiting for the others), I'll save that post for later 😁.

For now, let me share a more timely content. Actually, this post has been on my Draft folder since 2016. But I guess it wasn't meant to be posted until now. 😊

Soooo, here it goes! Happy February! 💕

Secrets To A Happy, Lasting Marriage ♥

During a mass with the cadets, PMA Chaplain Fr. Leonides Cruel, shared 8 secrets to a happy and lasting marriage based on the letters of the word itself:

Mutual Understanding. We acknowledge the reality that the husband and the wife are two completely different, unique individuals. They have different beliefs and opinions but what would keep them together is mutual agreement and understanding.

Admiration. Courtship does not end when you're married. Maintain the "kilig" factor in the relationship. Don't stop showing your partner how much you admire them.

Respect. This is basic. Respect each other's private space. Respect each other's belief. But remember that respect is earned. So do your best to continuously earn the respect of your partner. Integrity is the key.

Responsibility. I always say that my Lolo Amen had only one advice in finding a spouse: he/she has to be responsible - in all aspects. That means he/she knows how to manage his/her time, resources (including finances), and emotions. When you're already married, you share those responsibilities with your spouse. You're no longer two, but one.

Interaction. In any relationship, communication is the key. You can't have a successful partnership if you don't interact with one another. Interaction allows you to get to know your partner better. The more time you spend together, the more you will discover the beautiful gift of having someone to share your life with. Make time for meaningful conversations and genuine interactions. Be truly present.

Acceptance. Nobody's perfect, but two people can be perfect for each other if they learn how to completely love and accept the other. You don't enter or stay in a relationship just to change your partner or mold them into the person that you want them to be. You embrace them for who they are, you see the beauty of their soul, and you help them become the best versions of themselves.

God. This is basic. And the most important. I couldn't stress this enough. If you have all of the above (and even if you include the other letters of the alphabet), without God, you can still do nothing. We can't make things work on our own, no matter how brilliant we are. Everything is grace. And grace comes from God alone. We need Him in our lives, and in all of our relationships. In fact, we must first be in a relationship with Him. Then we invite Him to be the "third party" because as what is written in Ecclesiastes:

Though one may be overpowered,

two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Eternal Love. Love that comes from God. Love that is free and true. Love that is described in 1 Corinthians 13. ❤️

Marriage is beautiful. Let's make it last. 😊

Two blissful months (and a lifetime of love). 💕

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Understanding Lupang Hinirang

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These Little Wonders

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