by Wendy Heyworth

Created on: November 07, 2011

There is nothing more wonderful than a great marriage – and nothing more miserable than a bad marriage. Most though are “in-between”, just mediocre.

Marriage is more than the flash wedding and honeymoon. It is commitment to each other. To keep it strong you must pay regular attention to it. It takes time to build a great union of hearts.

Remember that love covers a multitude of sins. It is important to resolve issues quickly. Chose your time to do this though, it is not a good idea to deal with problems when either or both, are tired or hungry. Don’t spend all your time talking about problems. No one is perfect we all have faults, weakness, bad habits and imperfections, so be tolerant of each other.

Make sure you have fun together on a regular basis. Laugh together, and play together. Maintain a proper balance.

To put positive energy into your marriage, start by making small positive changes. Concentrate on improving what is right in front of your face. Start with the little things.

-       Little acts of kindness will nourish your love. These will help you both be more willing to over look each other’s faults and weaknesses.

-       Only speak positively to each other and about each other. Words are containers for power. They can tear down or build up, encourage or discourage. Properly chosen words can empower your marriage in a positive way

-       Be slow to take offense and quick to hear. Listening requires having full attention.

-       Integrity is keeping our word to ourselves and each other.

-       Commitment is giving our all to each other every day through good and bad times.

-       Have personal and shared goals. Respect each other’s personal goals and work together to achieve shared goals in all facets of life. If you are not sure what interests or what excites each other, ask and find mutual ground.

-       Catch people doing something right. Use manners with each other.

-       Take time out by doing simple things together; have a coffee date at the local café, take a drive in the countryside and have a picnic, visit mutual friends, go to the movies, sports game or for a walk.

-       Take time with your grooming to present yourself to be your best each day. It is difficult to respect those who do not respect themselves first.

Remove or reduce time with friends or family who are negative. Increase your time together with positive people. Your relationship is the most important.

Remember your marriage is a journey, keep it fresh each day. Persevere and it will just keep getting better and better each day. The payoff is huge.

“There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion, or company than a good marriage.”

 Martin Luther

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