by S A Dalton

Created on: June 25, 2009

Keeping the spark alive is a vital part of a good marriage. During the newlywed stage, this, of course, is a given. Once the new has worn off and the children come, it becomes more of a challenge to maintain that spark.

With more effort on the part of both parties, it is possible. A big step in doing so is to never take each other for granted. Taking each other for granted can be avoided by maintaining a certain degree of respect. Respecting one another is essential to a good marriage.

Another good way to maintain the spark in a marriage is to always make time for each other. This is especially difficult once children arrive. Many couples become too focused on the children thus forgetting to compliment and make time for each other. It is possible to balance both. Set aside one night a week just for the two of you. This keeps you in touch. Everything and everyone changes with time. In order to grow and change together, a couple has to spend time together. It's also a good idea to spend a couple of nights away together, at least once a year. An anniversary is a good time to do this since it's easily remembered.

Because work and everyday stress can take away from a relationship, it's a good idea to set aside time every evening to talk about each other's day. A couple needs to stay informed of each other's interest each day.

A good way to keep the spark alive in a marriage is to make it a habit to flirt, say at least on complimenting thing to the other, and make sure to have alone time. This will keep a couple together long after the children have grown and left home.

The longer a couple is married, the easier it becomes to put other problems and events ahead of each other. They begin to exist together, which can be extremely unhealthy.

By allowing each other to grow apart, a couple's marriage can have so much damage that neither partner wants to take the time to save it. When a person realizes there is trouble in the marriage, they need to immediately take steps to mend it. By ignoring it, it will only get worse. It definitely won't heal itself. By catching the problem when it starts, it will be much easier to fix.

The easiest way to ensure oneself of a good marriage is to follow the guidelines for keeping the spark alive to begin with. Always make your significant other feel sexy, wanted, and desired. Never allow them to feel taken for granted or disrespected. It's the little things that make a marriage last.

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