If you want to grow a great relationship, here’s some advice: Have some independence in your married life.
Just because you’re close to each other doesn’t mean you can’t have your own interests and hobbies.
While you and your spouse are intimately in each others orbit you should still have freedom and encourage one another to have outside interests.
For instance, I took a ballet class that had nothing to do with Steve, he didn’t know the people in my class or what we did for the hour I went each week. He encouraged me though and loved to hear about how the class went and let me show off the things I was learning.
Similarly, Steve took courses to become a Spiritual Director and has clients he meets with. I didn’t know any of the folks taking the classes and I don’t know what he discusses with his clients, but I try to encourage him to persist in the passion he has.
There have been many such incidents throughout our 30 years of marriage and these outside experiences enrich our lives. These outside experiences enrich our lives and give us something interesting to talk about.
So, don’t be afraid to pursue your own interests and encourage your partner to do the same. It’ll make your relationship stronger and more fulfilling in the long run.