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Friday, October 30, 2026Oct 30

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First Things First: 13 tips for newlyweds

Getty Images / marriage, just married, wedding, newlyweds
Getty Images / marriage, just married, wedding, newlyweds Getty Images / marriage, just married, wedding, newlyweds

Our closest friends just got married. My wife and I grabbed dinner with them a few weeks ago, and it reminded me of how fun (and frustrating) the newlywed phase of marriage can be. Our friends are clearly in a season of relearning everything they thought they knew about marriage and each other. Seeing this reminded me of just how uncomfortable the first few years of marriage can be and how normal it is for couples to struggle.

So, without further ado, here are a few tips (gathered from experts, therapists and research) to help couples navigate the first few years of marriage.

Listening is key.

I can’t express enough how crucial communication is. It’s foundational to any relationship. Remember, communication has two parts: speaking and listening. Listening is vital in communication. Become a better listener, and tune in to your spouse.

You won’t always agree, and that’s OK.