Navigating the complexities of marriage can sometimes lead us to question just how healthy our relationships truly are.

However, there’s a significant difference between experiencing normal bumps in the road and being stuck in a toxic relationship.

Sometimes, we’re so caught up in the daily grind that we fail to see the positive signs.

Good news, though!

If you can relate to these nine signs, your marriage might be in a much better state than you think.

In this article, I’ll break down these signs to help you recognize the health and strength in your relationship.

So, let’s dive in and see if your marriage is actually stronger than you realize.

1) Open communication

Marriage is a partnership, and like any good team, communication is key.

In fact, communication is the lifeblood of any healthy relationship.

It’s through open, honest discussions that we understand our partner’s feelings, concerns, and expectations.

And it’s not just about the big stuff.

The little daily conversations matter just as much.

They keep you connected and help to build mutual trust.

If you and your partner can freely discuss anything from the mundane to the significant, you’re on the right track.

Open communication doesn’t mean there won’t be disagreements or arguments – those are natural in any relationship.

But if you’re able to have these discussions without fear of judgment or retaliation, that’s a strong sign your marriage is healthier than you might think.

2) Mutual respect

Respect is a fundamental building block of any relationship, and it’s particularly important in a marriage.

When I say respect, I don’t just mean saying “please” and “thank you”.

It goes deeper than that.

It’s about acknowledging your partner’s feelings, ideas, and choices, even when you disagree.

Let me share a personal example.

My wife is an artist, and I’m more into numbers.

We couldn’t be more different in our interests.

Initially, I had a hard time understanding her passion for art and why she spent hours creating her pieces.

One day, she invited me to sit with her while she painted.

I saw the time, effort, and emotion she put into each stroke.

She explained what each color and shape meant to her and why she chose them.

That day I gained a newfound respect for her work.

The same goes for her with my love for numbers.

She doesn’t necessarily share my interest in finance and spreadsheets, but she respects its importance to me.

The moment you can appreciate your spouse for who they are, you’re well on your way to having a healthy relationship.

3) Regular laughter

Laughter is often considered the best medicine, and this rings true in a marriage as well.

A shared sense of humor can strengthen your bond and bring joy even in tough times.

Couples who laugh together frequently are more likely to have a high-quality relationship.

Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, which promote a sense of well-being and happiness.

So next time you share a laugh with your spouse, remember, it’s not just about having fun.

It’s also a sign your marriage might be healthier than you realize.

4) Shared goals and dreams

Having shared goals and dreams is like having a destination in your marital journey.

It’s not just about the big things like buying a house or planning for retirement, even small day-to-day goals matter.

Whether it’s working towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle, planning a weekend getaway, or even deciding on a new show to binge-watch together – shared goals bring you closer.

They give you something to work towards as a team.

This sense of unity and shared vision is a strong sign that your marriage is healthier than you might think.

5) You fight fair

While it may seem counterintuitive, fighting or arguing can be a sign of a healthy marriage.

The key is in how you fight.

In a healthy relationship, disagreements are tackled with respect and without personal attacks.

Each person is allowed to express their feelings and viewpoints, even if they differ.

You know that the goal isn’t to win the argument but to understand each other better and find a solution that works for both of you.

It shows that you value your relationship more than your ego.

6) You feel safe to be yourself

There’s a certain kind of beauty in being able to be your authentic self with your partner.

In a healthy marriage, there’s no need for pretenses or masks.

You can be silly, you can be serious, you can share your deepest fears and your wildest dreams.

You can be vulnerable without the fear of being judged or criticized.

This kind of emotional safety is the bedrock of a strong relationship.

It fosters intimacy and deepens the bond between partners.

It shows that there’s deep love, acceptance, and respect at the core of your relationship.

7) You trust each other implicitly

Trust is the cornerstone of any strong relationship.

There was a time when I had to leave on a business trip for a couple of weeks.

I was worried about how my wife would manage everything alone – balancing work, our kids, and household chores.

But when I returned, everything was in perfect order. She had managed everything flawlessly.

That incident made me realize how much I trust her.

Not just with our home and kids, but with every aspect of our lives together.

I know she’s got my back, and she knows the same about me.

If you can relate to this, if you and your partner have that unwavering faith in each other – that’s a clear sign of a healthy marriage.

It shows that you have complete confidence in each other’s abilities and judgments, creating a secure foundation for your relationship.

8) You support each other’s individual growth

Marriage is a partnership, but that doesn’t mean losing your individuality.

Each person in the relationship should have the space and freedom to grow and develop as individuals.

This could be in terms of career, personal interests, or self-development.

Your partner should be your biggest cheerleader, supporting you in your pursuits and celebrating your achievements.

If you and your spouse are each other’s pillars of support, motivating and pushing each other to grow, that’s a beautiful thing. 

9) You choose each other, every day

The truth about marriage is, it’s a choice.

Every day, you choose to love your partner, with all their quirks and flaws.

You choose to stick by them through thick and thin.

Marriage isn’t always easy.

It’s a journey filled with ups and downs.

But at the end of the day, if you can look at your partner and know in your heart that you would choose them all over again – that’s the most significant sign of a healthy marriage.

This conscious choice to love and commit to your partner daily is what truly sets a strong, healthy marriage apart.

It’s about conscious choices

At the heart of it all, a healthy marriage is about conscious choices.

It’s about choosing love, respect, and understanding each day.

It’s about choosing to see the best in your partner even on the worst days.

There’s a quote by Mignon McLaughlin that says, “A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.”

This couldn’t be more accurate.

The signs we’ve discussed in this article are not just indicators of a healthy marriage.

They’re also choices we make in our relationship.

Choices to communicate openly, to laugh together, to dream together, to fight fair, and to be ourselves.

And while every marriage is unique and faces its own set of challenges, these choices remain universal.

So next time you question the health of your marriage, take a moment to reflect on these signs.

You might find that your relationship is much stronger and healthier than you realize.