Marriage is often marketed as the finish line—the grand finale of a romantic comedy where the credits roll as soon as the vows are exchanged. But we’ve come to realize that the wedding is actually the starting line for a lifelong project of growth, resilience, and intentionality. Whether you have been married for three weeks or 30 years, here is a reflection on what makes a modern marriage thrive. While we all want to be happy, happiness is a "fluid emotion" that can change based on everything from your career stress to what you had for lunch. A successful marriage focuses instead on mutual growth.