5 Ways to Maintain a Healthy Relationship in Marriage
We all want to have a happy, loving and healthy relationship in our marriage that lasts for a lifetime. However, this is not always the case. As many of us struggle with our spouses, fairytale relationships often go sour.
Once we settle into our marriage, we may take our spouse for granted. Such behavior can lead to a downward spiral if we don’t take action to change things.
Here are a few ways to maintain a healthy relationship and keep your marriage intact forever.
Be Attentive
Pay attention to your spouse’s needs and feelings. If you continue to watch TV after your spouse asks you to help with dinner, they will feel ignored. If they ask you to stop and pick up milk on the way home from work, and you arrive without milk, they will feel what they had to say was not important because you did not listen.
Although these things may seem insignificant to you, your spouse may interpret them as signs that you don’t care. Be attentive to their needs, desires, and requests.
Simple actions like asking if they need help preparing dinner can mean a lot—call or text before leaving work to see if there is anything they need. Your attentiveness will not go unnoticed.
Be a Good Listener
People often get frustrated when they feel their spouse does not listen to them. You may say you hear when you are not listening at all? There is a difference. As you text friends and play games while your spouse speaks, it’s no wonder why they think you are not listening and, of course, don’t care. Put the phone down and listen. Good communication is one of the foundations of a healthy, happy relationship.
Intimacy and Romance
Although sex is a healthy part of a relationship, it is not the only way to maintain intimacy. A common complaint in many relationships is the lack of romance, although the sex is satisfying. Intimacy is a way for spouses to be close both physically and emotionally.
There are many ways to be intimate such as a romantic moonlit walk on the beach. However, you don’t have to have a beach nearby. A night at home watching a movie, cuddling on the sofa or in a hot tub can be intimate and romantic. Any intimate setting where the two of you can spend alone time together can bring you closer. Engaging in activities that your spouse enjoys will let them know that you care about what is important to them. It also shows that you enjoy spending time alone together.
Random Acts of Kindness
Simple acts of kindness can brighten your spouse’s day and show how much you love them. For example, text and say, “I love you.” Send flowers for no reason. Prepare a romantic candlelight dinner. Write a poem or romantic note and leave it where they will find it. Be creative and do things that will make them happy. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, as long as it is meaningful.
Always Be Kind
There are disagreements in even the best relationships. Everyone has a bad day now and then. Perhaps you had a hard time at work. Maybe you’re just tired or not feeling well. During these times, emotions may flare easily. If an argument erupts between the two of you, think before speaking. We often say things we don’t mean during a disagreement. However, those words can have a long-lasting impact.
Hurtful words can cut your spouse deeply. Don’t say things you will be sorry for later. Before you say anything that may hurt, take a deep breath, and consider your words. You can disagree without saying things that you will regret.
Listen to your spouse’s view and then express your own opinion calmly. Learn to compromise when there is a disagreement. You can usually find an amicable solution if you are willing to listen and compromise.
Good relationships have a foundation of love, respect, and trust. Show your spouse respect. Be a good communicator. Be supportive of their goals, desires, and endeavors. Work together instead of against each other. After all, a beautiful and long-lasting relationship is a friendship and partnership. So, show your spouse that you support them in every area. If you are attentive, loving, and supportive, you are on the road to a healthy, happy, and everlasting relationship.
Do You Need Additional Help?
Are you in an unhealthy relationship where no matter what you do, it just does not work? Is the spark gone? If so, we hope these “5 Ways to Maintain a Healthy Relationship in Marriage” can help to make your marriage much better.
If divorce is on your mind and you need to speak with a divorce attorney, please feel free to contact the divorce lawyers at Dalena & Bosch. We are caring and compassionate and want to support and help our clients through this most difficult decision and time in their life. Get in touch with us today.