I am convinced that marriages are built on fairy tales. If God chose my mate for me, we will be completely in sync with each other.  Little adjustment will be necessary. There will be romantic nights, massages, grapes and champagne, and endless wonderful communication with no conflict.

Proverbs 28:19 tells us,  A hard worker will have plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

This verse speaks about a need for hard work to accomplish things in life; it applies to marriage too. Marriage takes hard work and a plan for success.

Perfection in marriage only existed in the Garden of Eden. We can never get back to that place of complete unison with God and each other. However, we can strive to come as close as we can.

God has given us a guidebook, with a surplus of wisdom, to rebuild our rose garden - it’s called The Bible. However, it is underutilized and seldom opened for reference when our marriage needs guidance.

The following verses provide guidelines for effective communication.
Proverbs 10:14, 10:19, 12:17, 12:18, 12:25, 13:3, 13:14, 14:23, 15:13, 15:28, 16:24, 16:28, 18:13, 26:4-5, and 28:5.

Additional verses for resolving conflict are:
Psalm 37:5, 1 John 3:10, Philippians 4:8, Ephesians 4:32, Philippians 2:3-5
Proverbs 11:14, 15:1, 15:4, 15:31, 16:21, 17:9, 18:2, 18:13, 20:3, and 21:23
James 1:19-20, Ephesians 4:26-27 and 4:29, Romans 12:17-19, and 1 Peter 3:8-9.

Food for thought:
Proverbs 19:21 - There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel - that will stand.