The wedding is over and you are officially husband and wife! But that is just a change in status; the real hard work starts now and the true hero in a happy and fulfilling lifelong marriage is commitment.

What is commitment?
A willingness to give your time and energy to something that you believe in, or a promise or firm decision to do something, as defined by the Cambridge dictionary.

Believe.
It takes trust to believe. Mutual trust is the cornerstone of any relationship, especially a marriage. As newlyweds, this is even more important as both of you embark on a journey into new horizons. Trust can be built between two people by: 
● Being open. This means no secrets. Be honest about the issues that the two of you face.  
● Better communication. Instead of bottling up your feelings, speak up. Do it face-to-face. Open communication helps in connecting and building trust.
● Sharing new experiences. Whether it is learning new things or travelling together, sharing new experiences strengthens bonds and the marriage.

How does commitment keep a marriage strong?
A marriage, like any relationship, is full of ups and downs. It is easy to be lovey-dovey when everything is going well. Commitment is what keeps a marriage going when things are down. Also, do not forget that a marriage is a union of two families. Family support is crucial when the going gets tough.

How do I stay committed?
● Making the initial commitment. Develop a marriage mission statement with your spouse. Have a talk about your hopes and dreams. This mission statement should remain the same throughout your marriage, even as hopes and dreams change as the marriage matures.
● Keeping the commitment. Newlyweds must realise that a marriage goes far beyond the altar. It is much more than a decision to be together. Daily effort to stay committed is necessary.

Commitment is the steadfast foundation for a marriage. It is, after all, the secret to saying “I still do,” through the years.