Marriage is a wonderful institution. It is extremely meaningful to go through life with a partner by your side and share both happy and sorrowful times together. Nonetheless, marriage can also be challenging at times, and both spouses need to put in time and effort in order to maintain a strong bond over the course of a lifetime. Whether you are a newlywed or you have been married for many years, following these tips will help to make your marriage happier and healthier.
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Prioritize Intimacy
Intimacy is important to a happy marriage. It allows spouses to both bond and let off steam. There is no magic number of times per week or per month to be intimate since every individual is different. Still, you should make sure that you and your spouse are on the same page and decide on an arrangement that works well for both of you. If one partner has a higher libido than the other, one possible solution is to ask a doctor for suggestions on how to increase your libido. Another is to work on your communication and explore different ways of being intimate.
Express Appreciation
As the months and years go by, it can be easy to fall into a routine and take certain things for granted. Unfortunately, if you fail to appreciate the little things that your spouse does for you each day, he or she may become resentful. If your husband or wife looks especially nice one day, cooks a delicious dinner or even takes care of a small household task such as taking out the trash, a smile and sincere “thank you” will go a long way. Expressing appreciation aloud will also prompt you to feel lucky and grateful, improving your mood and overall marital satisfaction.
Be Honest
There is a difference between being honest and being blunt, but at the same time, there is no excuse for lying or hiding the truth from someone you care about. If you truly love and respect your spouse, you will be forthcoming, even when it is most difficult. Financial infidelity, for example, can be just as devastating as adultery. As a married couple, the two of you are a unit, and you should be able to work through even the biggest problems together.
Don’t Neglect Your Friends and Family
Your spouse should be the most important person in your life, but it’s unrealistic to expect him or her to fulfill all of your emotional needs or take an interest in all of your hobbies. It is completely normal and healthy to develop and maintain close relationships with friends and family outside of your marriage. Having separate interests and non-romantic relationships will give you and your spouse more interesting things to talk about when you are together.
Congratulations on your marriage, no matter how long you and your spouse have been wed. Be honest and appreciative of each other, express affection and cultivate some separate interests and hobbies, and you will set yourself up for many years of love and happiness.