Keeping Your Marriage Alive – Five Useful Tips

1. Romance
Keeping Your Marriage Alive – Five Useful Tips.Get back into the habit of dating your spouse! If romance is lacking in your relationship, don't hesitate to lay it on and bring out your flirtatious side. When you begin taking care of yourself, your partner will notice and become interested in the reason why you're so keen on being so pretty or handsome. Once they realize it's for them, they should instantly perk up! Also, know that people do change. Constantly refer to your spouse and speak with them to learn what they would like to do, their hopes and dreams for the future and their desires for intimacy. Communication can be key, so speak up.

2. Friendship
Before you were married, you were friends! Get that friendship relationship back within your marriage. It's nothing you don't already do, just do it with your spouse instead! Share a juicy bit you read online or sit down for an afternoon of board games and refreshments. Whatever you choose to do, make sure that the atmosphere remains fun, relaxed and provides a sense of no expectations, letting the happiness and good feelings come as they will.

3. Talking
Don't neglect your spouse! Even if the things they say may seem like they're mundane or even downright silly, talking to your spouse is a great way to let them know what you want, how you feel, what you need and any expectations or disappointments you're experiencing. Without talking, you would just be two roommates living together. Don't let your spouse linger in silence, strike up a conversation about their favorite topic, or even a new one and see where the conversation leads you.

4. Listening
Just as important as talking, listening plays a vital role in relationship communication. In order to fully understand the context and situation your spouse is in, ask them about their day, and then listen to the reply. Was there any stress? Anger? Sadness? Excitement? Once a day, ask your partner what the highlight of the day was. This promotes feelings of happiness within the relationship, because no matter what, there is always one thing you can find to celebrate about your day together (or even apart, which is okay, as long as you're sharing!) Listen to your partners highlight, ask questions about the event and try to glean the emotions tied to your partner's well-being. If you show that you care, your spouse will too. Listening is a great skill to continuously improve!

5. Little Things
Never stop doing little things. Many couples make the mistake of becoming too comfortable and falling into the bad habit of neglecting the attention their partner craves. In order to continue to make a connection that will last a lifetime, be sure to think of new and creative ways to impress, surprise and cherish your partner. Make other days besides holidays, special, and let them know that you are ready to be there for them and motivate them at all times. Providing support, encouragement and hope to your partner, is a great way to keep them actively engaged in the marriage.

Staying married nowadays takes a lot of time and work. Relationships rarely run on cruise control, and usually require constant attention so they don't begin to fall apart. Is your marriage struggling? We offer a safe and confidential atmosphere in which couples are free to express their feelings

By Vic Torgrimsen