There’s no doubt that after a few years, a marriage is not as exciting as it used to be. With careers, children or both, time for each other seems non-existent. However it does not have be that way. Marriages were meant to last, but in these times, the slightest disagreement means divorce. Here are 7 tips to help you improve your marriage.
1. Remember what Brought you two Together
Think about your first date and how much fun it was. It certainly had to be because you kept on dating till you eventually got married. Think about what attracted you to each other. Those qualities must still be there, look for them. If you can’t find them, then start dating again if it would help bring out those qualities.
2. Begin dating again
To bring out the qualities you saw in each other start dating again. What did you both do on your dates? Go dancing? Had romantic candlelight dinners? Go bunji jumping? Whatever it was, start doing those things again. Try it once a month and see how it goes. If there is some progress then continue it once a week. Make a start.
3. Communicate
I’m sure you’ve heard it time and time again that communication is vital in a marriage. It is. Communication is actually speaking with one another, not reading minds. A Woman’s communication style is not always easy for a man to understand. We don’t always say what we mean. But wives, we need to be clear in what we say and want. On the other hand, men don’t always listen. What we say goes into one ear and comes out the other. Men, you need to start paying attention to your wife’s needs. You’ll be surprised at how this could reduce the ‘nagging.’
4. Tackle the Issues, Not Each Other
When there’s a disagreement, please address the issue and don’t attack one another’s personality. That would just prolong the argument when it isn’t necessary. Once you deal with a matter head on, it would be easier to find a solution to the problem. But if you insist on attacking each other the problem would just persist and all this leads to resentment.
5. Don’t stay Angry
If you do happen to have an argument, don’t stay angry for days or weeks. That’s senseless. Pride has no place in a marriage. One of you must say ‘I’m sorry’. Think about how much better you are going to feel when there’s discussion rather than discord.
6. Compliment Each Other
What is your spouse’s particular strength? You must not take each other for granted. If your wife is a good cook, then compliment her regularly on what a wonderful meal she has prepared. Is your husband handy around the house? Tell him how much you appreciate his help. This will go a long way in building respect for one another.
7. Give Without Looking for Anything in Return
Once you are in a marriage, giving of yourself is one of the keys to making the marriage work. If you do something with the expectation of getting something back, you’ll be greatly disappointed. Giving of yourself means self sacrifice.
As time goes by in a marriage, the feelings you had for one another when you first met will not be the same. But this is no reason to give up and bail out. Practice these 7 steps and you could have a marriage that lasts ’til death do us part’.
