Compliments matter
If you don’t have a habit of complimenting each other, then maybe you should start doing so.
Compliments boost self-esteem, and lets your spouse know that you’re always there. Simple things like holding hands, and a kiss before going off to work also make your spouse feel loved and cared for. Plus, it’s just plain sweet to do those things!
Talk less about problems, and more about each other
Problems, especially financial problems or work-related problems are pretty common topics of conversation in most marriages. However, it’s also important to take some time to just talk to your spouse about your relationship.
Set aside 10-20 minutes in a day to just forget all of your problems and just talk. Ask your husband what his favorite movie is, or what’s his most embarrassing moment. Taking the time to talk about lighthearted things can significantly reduce your stress levels, and keep your and your spouse close with each other.
Mix things up
Having a routine is okay in a marriage, but don’t be afraid to mix things up. Sometimes, you just have to ditch the plans and do things as you go. Go to a beach, or have an impromptu dinner date without any planning.
Don’t be afraid to mix things up, and keep your relationship exciting!
Don’t forget to say thanks
A lot of married couples, especially those who have been married for a long time, tend to forget to say thanks to their spouse.
It’s a simple gesture, but it has a lot of meaning. Saying thanks to your spouse means that you’re grateful for what they’re doing for you, and you’re grateful that they chose to share their life with you. So always remember to say thanks!
Have lives outside the marriage
While your marriage is important, it’s just as important for the both of you to have a healthy social life with your own social circles. Just because you’re married doesn’t mean that you have to be with each other 24/7, having a healthy social life outside the marriage can benefit the both of you, since focusing solely on your marriage can make you feel that your world is smaller.
So don’t be afraid to go out with your friends, just make sure to tell your spouse where you’re going, and what time you’re going home!
Be realistic
It’s important to understand that the marriages that you see in the movies as well as television shows is fantasy. There might be some situations that you can relate to, but at the end of the day, you need to understand that you can’t have an idealistic view of marriage, just like you see in fiction.
Being realistic doesn’t mean you lower your expectations, or you become jaded in your marriage. Being realistic in the marriage means that you understand that things won’t always be perfect, but you’re willing to work things out. It means figuring out what you can do to improve your marriage, and handling things step by step. That’s why being realistic is important, since it keeps you grounded, and you won’t have any false expectations.
Source: salon.com
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