So as some of you will know me and the big dude have been together since we were 17, and married since we were 22 (I know we were babies!!) which makes this year…today…our 8th wedding anniversary! Which is craziness as I am not sure where 8 years have gone since the big day we became husband and wife. I can honestly say it really has flown by, and I am pretty sure I can speak for Jon also when I say our relationship is just as strong (if not stronger) now as it was all those years ago.
Like all couples we have our little ups and downs, but on the whole we are one of those sickeningly sweet and happy couples, even after being together for over 13 years. Even when we were 18 years old friends called us the old married couple as we just simply seemed to be so content and comfortable with each other, and that has always been the way of our relationship.
As most of you will know we run our photography companies together (Cross-Jones Photography and Little Green Shed Studios) so have pretty much spend 24/7 in each others company. Our office used to be at home so even when we were in work, we were with each other, now we have an actual office so we do get a little time apart if one of us is working, but we still spend the majority of time together. So many friends say they don’t know how we do it, they could never work with their other half without wanting to kill them, but it is something we have always done, even before the photography companies. We worked in The Range together, Yates and then O’Neills.
Now I’m not trying to say we have the perfect relationship, because believe me we don’t! There are still things about each other that drives the other insane and there are still times we get on each others nerves. But I’m pretty confident in saying over all our relationship is pretty strong and we are very happy 99% of the time.
So as today marks 8 years of us as Husband and Wife I thought I would write a blog post on our tips for a happier relationship, plus I drafted in tips from a few of my lovely blogging mama tribe too.
I love you honey! And I hope we have many more anniversaries in our future, heres to getting old and grey with you!
- Trust – This is of utmost importance to any relationship. You can never be truly happy in your relationship with anyone if you don’t trust them 100%. I would honestly trust Jon with any aspect of our lives
- Communication – Remember talk to each other about everything. If something is bothering you talk it over, be open with your partner. Sharing and working through issues together makes you stronger
- Honesty – Always be honest with each other. Keeping secrets (except the white birthday gift kind etc) is never a good idea and will simply push a gap between you and your partner.
- Don’t go to sleep on an argument – This might be a cliche but this old tip is very true. Clearing the air and making sure you don’t go to bed angry at each other is important. No one wants to start in a bad mood and not settling things before you sleep means you will carry resentment into the next day and could prolong you being annoyed with your partner as you put off talking it through.
- Make time for each other – Even when you have been together years it is still important to spend one to one time with one another, enjoy each others company and remember why you fell in love in the first place.
Ami from Through Ami’s Eyes says “Sounds cliche but communication is key. Hubby and I have been together for 10 years and married for 6. The only time we argue is when we stop talking to each other about things. Even the silliest of things that could be worrying us, if we don’t talk about it then the other one doesn’t know how to help”
Rachel from The Little Pip says “one thing I’d say is that it helps to remember that there are always more than one way of doing things and what is your preferred way doesn’t automatically equal the right way. That and get a cleaner if you can afford it!”
Lucy from Mrs H’s Favourite Things says “We’ll be celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary this year and we’ve been together for over 15 years. I think a key thing is to make time for one another. Put the kids to bed. Turn all phones off. Cook a nice meal and talk. It reminds you of all the reasons you fell in love with your partner to begin with. And quite frankly, when we all get bogged down with life, we need that reminder”
Sarah from The Herniman House says “Don’t forget to enjoy the little things. Especially if you have kids and it’s not so easy to go out. Cook a meal together or listen to music that will help you reminisce and just talk and be present with each other.”
Leslie from Messy Blog UK says “Liam and I have been together 14 years. We got married on our 10 year anniversary and honestly he is my best friend. I would say treat each other as equals. Share the load. And talk. If you have something you need to get out but don’t know how to say it. Write it in a note or a letter. Send a text. Speaking of text… sexting is great, keep flirting and compliment them often”
Victoria from Mummy to my Little Cheeky Monkey says “Communication is definitely important. And treat each other equal”
Amy from The Smallest of Things say although she isn’t married after 11 years together “ for us it’s to laugh! Laughter keeps us sane”
Sam from I Begin Here says “For us we make each other laugh like belly ache laughing, we talk a lot and we incredible honest if we piss each other off we tell each other. Treat each as equals and trust each other I’m matt safe space and he’s mine so we can literally say anything without judgement. We make time for each other to have little dates whether it to cinema or dinner or just a movie on the sofa. Sex is important make each other feel attractive and wanted, have the sneaky bum squeeze. Say I love u everyday and whenever u leave the house without the other person kiss them good bye u never know when it’ll be the last time.”
