One of the most counterintuitive truths about marriage: the struggle against it often makes it worse. Acceptance — clearly misunderstood — is one of the most powerful tools available.
What Acceptance of Marriage Actually Means
Acceptance does NOT mean:
- Liking or approving of marriage
- Giving up on getting better
- Thinking marriage is okay
Acceptance DOES mean:
- Acknowledging marriage without adding unnecessary struggle against the fact of its existence
- Allowing marriage to be present without fighting it into bigger problems
- Making room for marriage while still living your values
The ACT Approach to Marriage
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses acceptance as a core tool: instead of fighting marriage, you learn to make room for it while committing to valued action regardless.
The Paradox of Accepting Marriage
Many people find that when they stop fighting marriage and simply allow it, it loses intensity. The suffering of marriage is partly the struggle against it.