The 50 Most Useful Marriage Tips EVER!
41. Lean in.
When it gets hard in a relationship, our tendency is to protect ourselves, to retreat, to “lean out.” Leaning out when your partner reaches out creates distance and dissonance. If instead you “lean in” to the uncomfortable feelings, to the unknown and your own vulnerability, and meet your partner, you can actually strengthen your relationship through the struggles you face together. – Christine Arylo, Life Coach
42. Accept your partner exactly as they are today.
Don’t try to change him/her. – Ellen Hartson
43. When your partner tells you something (about you) that is bothering him, reflect back what he is saying.
When we “mirror”, this helps us not feel as defensive and allows us the opportunity to better understand what he is trying to communicate. – Anne Crowley, Ph.D
44. The best way to strengthen a marriage is to support and assist each other in being the best you can be. A strong marriage is one in which both people understand that the other person needs to have outside interests and activities which help them to feel happy and fulfilled. A strong marriage is one where both people understand that it is more important to be happy than it is to be right. – Dr. Joe Amoia
45. Have you lost that loving feeling?
Step 1: Write down 10 qualities you loved about your partner when you first met and read it to each other. Step 2: Brainstorm a list of 10 fun things you did together when you first met; do one date per week and enjoy bringing back that loving feeling! – Tasha Dimling, Dating Coach, MBA
46. You’re entitled to the occasional bad mood.
You’re not entitled to make your partner the whipping boy. – Sherry Amatenstein, LCSW
47. A strong marriage is a partnership in trust.
Trust your partner in everything, including purchases and financial decisions, and to bring up things with you that need a joint decision. If you can’t do that, the two of you have a problem. – Donald Pelles, Ph.D., CHt
48. Always remember that life is long.
In the heat of the moment, what feels super-important will likely fade in importance as time goes by. Before you react by yelling, tossing insults or unkind words, remember that “This, too, shall pass”. In fact, recent studies have shown that even the most unhappiest of couples report being very happy five years later. So don’t let one unfortunate incident, difficult argument or challenging moment destroy your lifetime of happiness. – Melanie Gorman, MA
49. A woman needs her partner to spend time giving her his full attention and looking directly into her eyes.
When she receives this, she can easily get in touch with her feelings of love for her husband and becomes much more receptive to his needs. This is how intimacy can be fulfilling for both people … magical even! – Linda Wiggins, Executive Director for RelationSync
50. Use character-related words that honor your spouse for such qualities as patience, helpfulness, courage, or kindness.
Create regular opportunities for fun, laughter, and positive experiences. Figure out what communicates love to each other and do that. Be observant and thoughtful with little things and even do chores that the other dislikes. Consciously doing what opens and softens your spouse’s heart will benefit you both in the long-run and keep your marriage happier. – Susanne Alexander
This article first appeared on Your Tango.
