Acceptance is too general a word. Many things you have to accept and there are some things that you should not have to accept, and we all pray for wisdom to know the difference. ; ).

Well, being married 3x's...divorced twice. I certainly know what not to do/I think have learned some lessons.

This is one of the hardest parts of marriage, to me, accepting the differences. Really accepting them. I think coming to terms with the basic fact that woman are different from men. Our whole thought processes are different. And, accepting this fact, makes it easier to accept my husbands differences. A lot of times, the difference is "a man thing". And, a friend told me to tell my husband when he feels like I'm giving him a hard time etc. to tell himself over and over(silently)"Thank God I'm not a woman".Lol

When you got married you accepted your spouse as they are. If more of a common ground is needed then more of non accusing communication is needed. Too many fights are based on accusations.( "You" don't do this and "you" don't do that.) Just say It would make me so happy if we could do___ together. (use your imagination on the blank!) :)

When you marry someone who is very different it makes it a fun and interesting marriage. (I know because I'm there!) Some kind of common ground had to be there before the marriage so find that ground again.

I agree with Irishsub66 that in marrying the person you did you were accepting them as they are - at least that's how we normally interpret choosing a parter in life. However the reality (& the big mistake) is that many people think they can change their partner once they are married.

20 years down the track there are still times I wish my partner would change some habits but he had these when we married & I've learned that I can't change these things about him & have accepted that. To me marriage is about compromise & open communication. Learning to speak without hurting someone, accepting flaws knowing you have just as many as your partner & looking at the positives - the reasons you chose your partner in the first place.

It's not easy, I'm still working on it but each year becomes easier.

My favorite: The Serenity Prayer

It works

One must accept themselves first. Then, acceptance of others follows. I can't change my spouse, or anyone else. I can only change me.

Good one, Dan!

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

I also agree that when you marry someone that means you have already accepted the differences. Of course nothing is perfect, but if you can't accept those differences then marriage isn't a good idea.

My hubby and I have been happily married 20 years. Our differences compliment each other and the little things that annoy each of us are so trivial that they're not even worth mentioning. Don't sweat the small stuff!