Marriage Advice from 1886 That Still Holds True Today

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As I was scrolling through my Facebook memories, I found a post I shared back in 2016 on marriage... from 1886! Trust me, this wisdom still holds true today!

Of course, when I posted it I was still married, but I was wearing blinders. I'll be the first to admit now that my marriage was failing, I just didn't see it at the time. Had we have truly followed this advice, things might have worked out differently. But on to happier things...

The marriage advice listed below is attributed to Jane Wells in 1886 and was apparently submitted by someone named Carol Abbs. When I first started researching where the quote came from I came across a lot of memes and merchandise. Apparently, having this quote placed on various sundry items like wall hangings makes for a great wedding gift! Finally, I found the quote in the book Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul published in 2012. According to MarriedbyKate, the advice was originally written by Wells for her daughter before her wedding. Let's take a look at this advice and what it means.

Let your love be stronger than your hate or anger.

Amen! Sure, love is work, but it's worth the work!

Learn the wisdom of compromise, for it is better to bend a little than to break.

Choose your battles! Fighting over who takes out the trash really isn't important in the scheme of things.

Believe the best rather than the worst.

It's so easy to believe the worst about someone. Why would you marry someone if you didn't expect the best from them? I want to be with someone who inspires me to work daily to become a better person.

People have a way of living up or down to your opinion of them.

This is true in life for your spouse, friends, families, co-workers, etc...

Remember that true friendship is the basis for any lasting relationship. The person you choose to marry is deserving of the courtesies and kindnesses you bestow on your friends.

How many times have you seen someone treat their friends better than the person they pledged to love until they die? Shouldn't that person be the recipient of your love, time, attention, affection, and respect above all others?

Please hand this down to your children and your children’s children. The more things change the more they stay the same

I'm doing that right now!

I'd love to hear your thoughts on Wells' message and for you to share any marriage advice you may have. Drop a comment below and feel free to give me a follow. Love and light!