The Simple Equation to a Joyful Marriage

Samar and Krutika’s marriage was like a garden that hadn’t seen rain in a while — still alive but yearning for a shower of joy to bring back its vibrant colors. It had been five years, and the early days of laughter and easy conversations had given way to silence and unshared thoughts. That’s when they found themselves knocking on Mr. Dixit’s door, a counsellor, whose warm smile had seen many couples through stormy weathers.

In the heart of his peaceful office, Mr. Dixit shared a simple yet powerful formula for a thriving marriage:

Successful Marriage = (Appreciation + Helping Each Other — Being Judgmental) / Being Untruthful × Doing Things Together^Being Thankful

As they sipped on the warm tea provided by Mr. Dixit, Samar and Krutika listened intently as he broke down the formula for them:

• Appreciation is noticing and expressing joy for the little things. Like when Krutika makes Samar’s favorite coffee just the way he likes it or when Samar remembers to hang the laundry the way Krutika prefers it. It’s seeing the everyday efforts and saying “I notice what you do for me, and it means a lot.”
• Helping Each Other is the part where you act as a team. If Krutika is busy with a work project, Samar could step in to handle the groceries. Or if Samar is fixing something around the house, Krutika could offer a hand. It’s about sharing the load, not because you have to, but because you want to make your partner’s day a little easier.
• Being Judgmental, Mr. Dixit pointed out, is like a weed in the garden. It can spread and choke the love if you let it. It’s looking at mistakes as a chance to criticize instead of an opportunity to grow together. The couple learned to replace harsh words with kind understanding.
• Being Untruthful, the counselor explained, divides everything good you build. Even small lies can make trust crumble. He encouraged them to keep honesty at the heart of their relationship, to make all the other good things count.
• Doing Things Together is the multiplier. Whether it’s planning a family vacation or saving up for a new home, working on shared goals makes the partnership stronger.
• Being Thankful is the magical exponent that can make the good things grow bigger and brighter. It’s not just about saying thanks but really feeling it deep down, like a cozy blanket on a cold day.

With this new understanding, Samar and Krutika left Mr. Dixit’s office feeling hopeful. They started practicing the formula in their daily lives. Samar began leaving thank-you notes for Krutika, and she made time to help him with his weekend projects. They planned date nights and shared their dreams before going to bed, all with a sprinkle of gratitude.

Days turned into weeks, and their home blossomed with laughter and love like never before. They had discovered that the secret to a joyful marriage wasn’t so secret after all — it was in the simple acts of kindness, understanding, and working together towards common dreams, magnified by a heartfelt thankfulness for each other.

And as for you, how might you apply this simple equation to your own relationships? Consider the power of a kind word, a shared task, or a heartfelt thank you. Perhaps it’s time to pick up the calculator of your heart and start solving for happiness.