Twelve years ago my husband and I were standing at the altar ready to embark on our life together. Through the years we have experienced a lot of ups and downs. In many ways the trials of life could have driven us apart but we strived to make it bring us even closer. It hasn't been all sweetness and rose petals though. I will be one of the first to admit that for a marriage to work it requires you to work at it. I'm not saying every moment needs to feel like work, but there are times when you have to put work into your marriage to keep things running smoothly. Just like a rare orchid a marriage needs loving attention, tender care and hard work to keep it flowering beautifully and not wither away.
Tips for a healthy happy marriage
- Say I love you everyday. It shouldn't stay unsaid. Those words are better spoken than assumed it known.
- Always part with a hug and kiss because you never know when it will be the last time.
- Use every chance you get to casually touch each other. (any touch of the hands in passing, a brush of the nape, or a hand on the knee) Any little touch to reconnect or stay connected.
- Fight fair. No name calling, and always apologize for words said in anger. ( I have trouble with this one. I have a REALLY short fuse.)
- Take the time to let your spouse know how much you appreciate what they do. If it is working long hours to support the family or take out the trash even when you had to ask. A little appreciation goes a very long way.
- Get to know each other again. Ask questions as if you were on your first date. If you had one week with no responsibilities, no family, no friends, no work what would you do with it? You might learn something you never knew.
- Speak up when you need something from the other person. Just because you have been together so long and it seems like you think the same doesn't mean they know your every thought and need.
- Make them feel like an important part of your life everyday not just on the special occasions.
These are just a few things that I try to do to keep my marriage strong. There are many more things you can do. If you have any good tips to keep any relationship going strong I would love to hear them.
One last note~ A big thank you to my husband for twelve weird but wonderful years together. I look forward to what the next dozen will bring.
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