HOW TO MAKE YOUR MARRIAGE LAST

HOW TO MAKE YOUR MARRIAGE LAST

Every marriage needs help now and then, both during the good times and when things become difficult. Here are issues that impact marriages and skills to help you deal with those issues and problems in healthy ways. Remember that most problems have solutions. Don't ignore the problems and issues in your marriage. If your marriage is in trouble, get started and make the necessary changes together that will help your marriage be a successful, long lasting union.

For your marriage to last many years, it is important that you show your love for one another on a regular basis.

That means daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly, taking a few minutes, even seconds, to put your spouse first on your priority list.

DAILY:

Spend at least 10 minutes a day focused on one another without the distraction of your kids, the TV, the phone, etc.

Kiss your spouse in the morning, before leaving the house, when you go to bed, and several other times during the day and evening.

Say I Love You.

Hug your spouse several times each day.

Affirm something your spouse said or did and say something nice.

Be kind to your spouse.

Do something caring and romantic for your spouse.

Don't criticize your spouse.

Laugh together.

WEELY:

Hide some love notes for your spouse.

Do a few things together, like working in the yard, taking a walk, watching a favorite movie, or planning and cooking dinner.

Encourage both yourself and your spouse to have some alone time.

MONTHLY:

Plan and have a date night with one another.

YEARLY:

Celebrate your anniversary. Write a letter to each other recommitting yourselves to your marriage.

Decide together how you will celebrate holidays.

 Make a big deal about your birthdays.

GENERAL:

Fight fair.

 Don't try to change your spouse.

 Be willing to forgive.

 Don't expect your spouse to be a mind reader and don't try to be a mind reader.

Consider attending a marriage enrichment weekend or workshop.

Accept that there will be some small issues that you two will never resolve and that it is normal in successful marriages.

 We are just getting started with this series.  I’m so excited about this one.  It will be very in-depth and soul-searching.  So, definitely make notes about how you can start strengthening your marriage today!

~Maria