subject: 14 Ways to Save Your Marriage [print this page] 14 Ways to Save Your Marriage 14 Ways to Save Your Marriage
It is important to realize the difference between loving and being in love." As C. S. Lewis put it, "It is this other, quieter love that enables two people to keep their promise. It is on this love that the engine of marriage is run. "Being in love" was merely the explosion that started the engine."
Aside from the fact that most couples share in the work routine these days by holding down jobs, here are fourteen ways to stay in tune with your marriage partner and save your marriage:
1. Find and maintain a mutual interest you can share.
2. Cut down on the amount of time you watch television. If you can manage to do this, it will help your marriage. If you and your spouse like certain favorite programs, you could of course simply watch those and ignore the rest of the offerings. The choice is up to you.
3. Be ready and willing to give 75 percent of yourself, whether you get that much in return from your mate or not.
4. Strive continually to improve yourself as a person and your overall personality. Being a good person is, in itself, part and parcel of the secret of a happy marriage.
5. If you have a tendency to buy too many things with a credit card, start leaving your card (or cards) at home. Money issues head the list of conflicts in far too many marriages.
6. Whatever problems confront you and your mate, decide to face them together. Marriage means sharing the hard times (if any) as well as the good ones.
7. Avoid arguments on what each of you "wants out of life." Such arguments can develop into a stalemate. Try to find a mutual ground on which both of you can agree regarding future goals. What do you enjoy together?
8. Find some way to compliment your mate every day. One of the major causes of tension in a marriage is the neglect of courtesies and compliments. Everyone likes to feel that he or she is appreciated. This includes your not forgetting birthdays and anniversaries.
9. Go off somewhere together at least a few times a year. If possible, take a short trip once every six weeks or quarter.
10. Kiss each other goodbye each morning when the day's work separates you, or when you both leave for the jobs you hold. These little opportunities to show affection are very important for a happy marriage. Don't fail to express love and appreciation that is due.
11. Bring your spouse a little gift now and then, have dinner out together and enjoy some special entertainment.
12. Plan one of your favorite meals (or dishes) occasionally. Many couples take turns with the cooking, surprising each other with exciting meals.
13. Go dancing together now and then, and choose a place where at least a good portion of the music provided is smooth and romantic.
14. Have room in your home life for religion. You know how the saying goes: "The family that prays together stays together."
The above ideas and suggestions are not the only recommended ones for saving your marriage, but they will definitely help to cement your marriage and make it a more enjoyable one.
