Making a marriage work requires some effort from both partners. In some cases, the help of a third party, such as a relative or a counselor might be needed to get over rough patches. These seven tips will help you build a stronger marriage and find happiness as a couple. (Normally, however, unless you have an unusual relationship such as both of you feeling close and respected by this relative, would I advise that approach.)
- Pay Attention To Each Other
How much do you know about your spouse and about what they life? Paying attention to each other is important because this is how you can show love on a daily basis. Grand romantic gestures are not going to be a part of your daily life, but small details will matter.
- Respect Each Other
Respect is a very important aspect of making marriage work. Respecting your partner is crucial since you won’t be able to have fair fights if there is no respect in the relationship.
- Spend Time Together
Some couples tend to spend more time apart when their marriage is in trouble. Having some alone time and seeing some friends is important, but there cannot be a strong marriage without some shared time and shared activities.
- See Things From Your Partner’s Point Of View
Making marriage work is easier if you try to see things from your partner’s point of view, both in your daily life and when there is a disagreement. It will be easier to find a common ground and to respect and understand your partner if you take a few minutes to see things from their perspective or simply ask them to explain their point of view.
Following are tips to help strengthen your marriage. But first, check out my products related to marriage health.
- Solve Your Solvable Problems
Every marriage has its problems. It is important to talk about them in a calm manner and to find solutions for the things that can be fixed. Not all problems can be fixed, and you will have to make some compromises. You should take some time to talk about the problems you are encountering in a non-judgmental way and work on finding solutions. The ones that are not really solvable will fall into those things you learn to accept about one another. No one is perfect and no two people can possibly agree about everything. Live and let live!
- Learn To Compromise
Sharing a life together means you won’t always have your way. You need to be able to communicate about the difficulties you encounter and to find compromises when there are no other ways to solve the issue. A really important unresolved issue can lead to tensions building up in the marriage while a compromise will allow you to live together without any negativity, even though the solution might not be perfect.
- Build A Life Together
You might feel that your daily routine is defining your marriage. Find ways to build a life together, for instance by talking about your projects for the future, working towards a common goal and sharing experiences as a couple or as a family if you have children.
These seven tips will help you build a stronger marriage and live a happier life with your partner. You should take some time to talk to your partner about these tips and how you could implement them to improve the life you live together.
Waverly Hanson
Marriage Counselor & Author
In my personal life, I have had a long successful marriage and have remarried following my husband's death. I have had three sons and helped raise a niece for three years and have seven grandchildren. I have loved spending time with them as they were growing up.
I also enjoy getting together with family and friends, ATVing in the mountains, photography, hiking, and traveling. I also enjoy reading, creating art, decorating, and serving others by volunteering.
Assisting couples in rebuilding their marriages has been so rewarding as I've had the privilege of seeing hundreds of couples reunite and get back to being positively connected to one another.
I also work with personal development and those who want to move forward by making positive improvements such as goal setting, self-care, boundaries, behavioral improvements, overcoming procrastination, conflict management, etc.