Creating a healthy, happy marriage doesn’t happen overnight. However, the care and effort it takes can be well worth it in the long run. Whether you have been married for one day or 50 years, continuously improving your marriage through communication, respect and love is vital. Sometimes, showing love for your spouse will come naturally; other times, you may have to be more intentional.
Here are a few tips for creating a healthy, long-lasting marriage.
Create an environment of respect. Cultivating a deep respect for your spouse will carry you through challenging times. While love and romance are essential, those feelings can come and go as time progresses. Start by naming what you love and respect about your spouse outside of your relationship. Do you appreciate their humor? Kindness toward others? Their creativity? Looking at your partner in this light can help you to cherish them.
Don’t be afraid to argue constructively. Conflict, while uncomfortable, can help bring underlying issues to the forefront, allowing you and your spouse to confront the problem early. It’s OK to disagree, but remember to keep your words respectful as you engage in the conversation. It’s you and your spouse vs. the problem, not you vs. your spouse.
Spend quality time together. Not all time spent together is quality time. While activities like watching TV can be a way to bond, remember also to do things that spark conversation, such as hiking or cooking together. Schedule regular date nights and treat them as if you were still dating. Just because you are married doesn’t mean you should stop trying to impress your spouse.
Praise your spouse. Regularly expressing appreciation and admiration for your partner can boost their self-esteem and strengthen your bond. Your words can majorly impact how your spouse views themself, so be mindful. Remember to compliment them on their appearance, let them know you are proud of their work, whether at their job or at home, and mention anything else you love about them, no matter how small.
Even the strongest marriages need a little support from time to time. If you and your spouse are arguing more than usual, facing a significant disagreement or simply want to reawaken your romance, seeking professional support, such as couples therapy, can help.