"ابقَ عينيك مفتوحتين جيداً قبل الزواج، واغمض واحدة بعده."

The essence of this quote is that you should be highly perceptive and critical when choosing a partner, but once you’re married, it's often beneficial to overlook some of the small imperfections and quirks. This way, you can maintain harmony and understanding in the relationship.

Historically, this advice has been offered in various forms for generations. It likely originated from a time when marriage was not just a union of love, but also a strategic and social partnership. In such contexts, being discerning before making a lifelong commitment was crucial. However, post-marriage, focusing on every little flaw could create unnecessary tension.

To bring this idea to life, let's take the example of Jane and Robert. Jane and Robert were incredibly diligent before tying the knot. They made sure their values aligned, discussed their future goals, and even took a relationship workshop to understand each other better. This period of scrutiny helped them ensure they were compatible on significant issues.

After their wedding, however, Jane noticed Robert’s habit of leaving socks around the house. Early in their marriage, this used to annoy her to no end. She'd bring it up constantly, leading to small arguments. But over time, Jane realized that this habit, although irksome, wasn’t a dealbreaker. She decided to gently and humorously remind him about it rather than making it a big issue every time. This small shift in perspective contributed to a more peaceful and loving home environment.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by being really thorough and honest with yourself before making a big commitment like marriage. Ask the hard questions, observe behavior, and make sure your foundational values match. Once you're married, practice patience and choose your battles wisely. Not every annoyance needs a confrontation. Sometimes, a gentle nudge or a bit of humor goes a long way.

Imagine you're at a coffee shop with a friend who's considering marriage. They’re in the throes of love, but you remind them to also think practically. You tell them about how you and your partner carefully considered your compatibility on crucial matters like finances and family. But you also share how, after marriage, you had to remind yourself not to sweat the small stuff—like your partner's love for loud music in the morning. It's these minor quirks that once seemed like mountains but are now just small bumps you laugh about.

By being vigilant and discerning before marriage, you set a strong foundation. By practicing patience and understanding afterward, you build a home filled with love and compromise. This balance is what sustains long-term relationships. So, keep your eyes wide open and your heart ready to forgive—that's the secret to a happy marriage.