Marriage is Sacrament! Jordan Peterson on Strong Relationships

Jordan Peterson, a renowned Canadian psychologist, offers valuable insights into how to build and maintain strong relationships.

He emphasizes the importance of commitment, communication, and compromise, while also acknowledging the complexities and challenges that modern life presents to establishing lasting connections.

The necessity of compromise and effort

Compromises and sacrifices are integral to maintaining a strong relationship.

Effort is required, especially after the initial ‘in love’ phase.

Neglecting the relationship can lead to dissatisfaction and a search for excitement elsewhere.

Prioritizing time together

Spending time together is crucial for maintaining a relationship.

Peterson recommends at least 90 minutes a week of conversation about each other’s lives and the household.

Regular date nights and non-romantic conversations about practical matters can help keep couples connected and updated.

The importance of communication

Communication is key in a relationship.

Couples need to talk about their lives, how the household is run, and what they’ve been doing to keep their stories caught up.

This helps to prevent the relationship from deteriorating.

The role of stability in child-rearing

The utility and stability of a relationship are crucial for raising children.

A stable foundation promotes their development and provides them with a secure environment.

The intertwinement of lives

Tangling your life together with someone else strengthens bonds and provides support during times of weakness.

It is a testament to the depth and commitment of a relationship.

The spiritual aspect of marriage

Marriage is not just a physiological union.

It is a sacrament in most human communities and needs to be placed in the context of everything else a human being is.

The challenge of maintaining excitement

Maintaining excitement in a relationship requires effort, especially after the initial ‘in love’ phase.

Neglect can lead to dissatisfaction and a search for excitement elsewhere.

The necessity of compromise

Compromises are necessary in a relationship.

Sacrifices need to be made in the short term for the long-term well-being of both individuals.

The importance of prioritizing the relationship

Prioritizing the relationship and making time for each other is essential, even amidst busy lives.

A minimal commitment to spending time together and staying updated is necessary to prevent a relationship from deteriorating.