Here are 6 great tips for a happier marriage you can use today:
1.
Communication
We all know communication is essential for a happy marriage but
so many couples are afraid, or feel too vulnerable, to open up.
By the way, bickering and arguing don’t count as communication
in case you were wondering :-)
Marriage counselors recommend that spouses have conversations
about their day, share their opinions of the quality of their relationship,
identify areas of concern, and explore possible solutions for resolving conflict.
Direct and caring communication makes for a happier marriage.
2. Admit Your Mistakes
To have a happy marriage, don’t blame.
Take responsibility and admit when you are wrong.
Enough said.
3. Realize the Honeymoon Stage will Pass
There is a BIG difference between falling in love AND maintaining a
healthy marriage.
In the honeymoon phase, sexual and emotional attraction are very
strong; both parties often feel intoxicated with love.
During the honeymoon phase it’s easy to falsely assume that you and
your partner will gladly work through any challenges and problems
that arise down the
road.
Not so fast.
It’s a dangerous assumption because husbands and wives react differently
to problems and marital stress. This creates a source of conflict that is
difficult to deal with as time passes.
Once the honeymoon stage is over, the real work sets in. And you and
your spouse will have to work together intentionally to maintain a healthy,
happy relationship.
I guess what we’re saying is this: Don’t mourn the passing of the
honeymoon phase.
After enjoying the honeymoon phase fully, decide to fully enjoy the NEXT
phase of your marital journey; each phase can be as exciting and fulfilling.
4. You Reap What You
Sow
You get what you give.
If you do everything possible to have a happy marriage, your partner
will
reciprocate.
Make sure your partner knows how much you love and enjoy them;
invest time, effort and energy in their happiness.
5. Mend The Relationship Not Your Partner
Saving a marriage doesn’t mean mending your partner.
You cannot save a marriage by modifying your spouse. Don't try to
change your spouse’s behavior for your own happiness.
The only person in
this world you have the absolute power to change is you.
6. Counseling
As serious problems arise, seek marriage counseling.
Do not wait until it’s too late.
These problems indicate the need for marital counseling:
▪ communication breakdown
▪ lack of sexual intimacy
▪ frequent arguments
▪ violence
▪ emotional distance
▪ infidelity – emotional and/or physical
Unless there have been incidents of violence in the marriage, it’s better to
seek couples counseling as opposed to individual counseling. This allows
you to deal with your marital problems under the watchful guidance of a
professional who can monitor and direct progress.
Most marriage advice teaches that the ultimate secret to a happy marriage
is commitment. As long as you both are committed to having a healthy,
lasting marriage, you will figure out how to have a happy relationship.
Using these 6 relationship tips is a
great place to start.
Until next week, this is Mike and Gayle Tucker and we
want you to be mad about marriage!
