Weddings, with all their dancing and laughter can be a blast.
But let's face it: marriage isn't always a walk in the park. Sometimes, it feels more like trying to fold a fitted sheet – you start off with good intentions, but it quickly becomes a tangled mess.
Living "happily ever after" takes work, folks. Whether you've been married for ages or just said your "I dos," we tapped into the wisdom of celebs, experts and couples to uncover the secrets to a happy marriage. Get ready to strengthen your bond and add a little extra bliss to your relationship.
First things first: even the happiest couples have their fair share of arguments. According to therapist Amanda Gifford, no marriage is all sunshine and rainbows.
Read More | 10 ways to make your marriage last: Relationship experts reveal their secrets to a long, happy union
But here's the kicker: in happy marriages, couples listen to each other's perspectives, know when the argument is veering off course, and are quick to make amends.
So, if you and your spouse find yourselves butting heads from time to time or navigating through a rough patch, take heart – it doesn't necessarily mean you're doomed for unhappiness. In fact, it's all part of the normal ebb and flow of married life.
Seven famous couples who've stood the test of time:
- Jay Z and Beyoncé: The Power Duo of Music
Years Together: Over 15 years.
Claim to Fame: This iconic couple needs no introduction. Jay Z and Beyoncé have redefined the meaning of power couple in the music industry.
Key to Their Success: Their bond is fortified by a shared passion for music, family values, and unwavering support for each other's careers.
Family Life: Proud parents to three children, they often showcase their family unity through their music and public appearances.
Priddy Ugly and Bontle Modiselle: South Africa's Dynamic Duo
Years Together: Over 5 years.
Claim to Fame: Piddy Ugly and Bontle are a force to be reckoned with in the South African entertainment industry, with successful careers in music, dance, and television.
Key to Their Success: Their relationship is grounded in mutual respect, creativity, and a shared love for their craft.
Collaborative Ventures: They've collaborated on music projects and have often showcased their chemistry in music videos and live performances.
Kabelo and Gail Mabalane: A Love Story for the Ages
Years Together: Over 10 years.
Claim to Fame: Kabelo and Gail Mabalane are beloved figures in the South African entertainment scene, known for their acting talents and philanthropic efforts.
Key to Their Success: Their enduring love is fueled by friendship, trust, and a commitment to their family's well-being.
Family Focus:They are dedicated parents to their two children and are often seen championing causes related to children's health and education.
Howza and Salamina: The Definition of Relationship Goals
Years Together: Over 10 years.
Claim to Fame:Howza and Salamina are a power couple in the South African television and entertainment industry, known for their acting prowess and on-screen chemistry.
Key to Their Success: Their relationship thrives on open communication, mutual respect, and a shared sense of humour.
Balancing Act:Despite their busy schedules, they prioritize quality time together and actively support each other's career endeavors.
Read More | Seven years of marital bliss for celebrity couple Phumeza and Shota
Dineo and Solo Langa: Love in the Limelight
Years Together: Over 5 years.
Claim to Fame: Dineo and Solo Langa are rising stars in the South African entertainment industry, known for their talents in acting, music, and fashion.
Key to Their Success: Their relationship is characterized by a deep understanding, creative synergy, and a shared vision for their future.
Public Declaration: They often share glimpses of their love story on social media, inspiring fans with their authenticity and devotion to each other.
Lamiez Holworthy and Khuli Chana: A Match Made in Music
Years Together: Over 5 years.
Claim to Fame: Lamiez Holworthy, a renowned DJ, and Khuli Chana, a prolific rapper, form a power couple in the South African music scene.
Key to Their Success: Their relationship flourishes amidst the demands of their respective music careers due to their shared passion for music, mutual respect, and unwavering support for each other's endeavours.
Public Displays of Affection: Lamiez and Khuli often express their love openly, sharing heartwarming moments on social media and collaborating on various music projects, delighting fans with their chemistry.
Basetsana and Romeo Khumalo: The Epitome of Elegance and Grace
Years Together: Over 10 years.
Claim to Fame:Basetsana and Romeo Khumalo are synonymous with grace, success, and philanthropy in South Africa. Basetsana is a former Miss South Africa turned business mogul, while Romeo is a respected entrepreneur and television personality.
Key to Their Success: Their enduring love story is built on a foundation of shared values, mutual admiration, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their community.
Family First: Basetsana and Romeo prioritise family above all else, cherishing precious moments with their children while balancing their professional responsibilities.
Philanthropic Powerhouse: Together, they champion various charitable causes, using their platform and resources to uplift disadvantaged communities and empower the youth, inspiring others with their generosity and compassion.
For all the lovebirds and seasoned couples alike, we ask the age-old question on what makes a lasting marriage and are the first five years of marriage truly the most challenging?
Before we dive into the deep end, let's acknowledge that every marriage is a unique journey. What might seem like a breeze for one couple could feel like a storm for another. The early years are usually coined as the “honeymoon phase,” that blissful beginning where everything feels like a fairy tale. But as time rolls on, reality tends to sneak in, bringing with it the inevitable quirks and challenges of everyday life.
Suddenly, you find yourselves squabbling over trivial matters like the eternal toilet seat debate. And just like that, the honeymoon glow starts to fade. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. While the first five years may come with their share of hurdles, they're also packed with opportunities for growth, laughter, and yes, even a few tears.
Think of it as Marriage 101 – a crash course in communication, compromise, and the art of adulting. Sure, there'll be moments of doubt and frustration, but therein lies the beauty of the journey.
Now, let's meet our couples: Nthabiseng (39) and Senzo (41), married for 11 years who've weathered their fair share of storms, and Raksha (35) and Keegan (36), the dynamic duo who seem to have it all figured out.
For Nthabiseng and Senzo, those early years were a whirlwind of adjustment and compromise. There were many tears along the way and times where the communication was not always aligned. For them, their will to weather the storms and work on themselves and their marriage is what led them to discover a deeper connection that strengthened their bond. Family influence and other factors were hurdles along the way and now over a decade later their little family unit is what takes priority above all.
As for Raksha and Keegan who are together for 7 years, they breezed through the first five years with shared values and unwavering support for each other's dreams. As family friends they believe that the shared connection between the families is what they based their marriage on. Mutual understanding, culture and beliefs are what held them in good stead in those early years. The pair reminisce on those early days as a “fairytale come true,” not to say there weren't ups and downs but the good outweighed the bad.
Gifford emphasises the importance of conscious communication in relationships. According to her, non-violent communication involves expressing feelings, reasons behind those feelings, thoughts, and future needs. Avoiding generalisations and confronting difficulties head on is crucial.
- Drum tips
Finding common interests that both partners can grow with, such as yoga or taking an Enneagram course for couples, is recommended. Additionally, understanding each other and providing support are vital for a healthy relationship.
Balancing time together and apart is essential. Pursuing individual activities that bring happiness can contribute positively to the relationship.
If challenges arise, seeking assistance from a couples' therapist early can help establish a common love language and resolve issues.
Maintaining a conscious relationship requires effort, commitment, and mindfulness. It presents an opportunity for personal growth and shared experiences.
So, are the first five years really the toughest in marriage? Well, it depends on who you ask. But one thing's for sure – every bump in the road is an opportunity to grow closer and stronger together.
The journey may be bumpy at times, but the adventures that await on the other side are worth every twist and turn. Here's to love, laughter, and a lifetime of happily ever afters, no matter how tough those first five years may be. Cheers to us!
