The recent news of Jon and Kate's pending divorce has caused many women to reexamine their marriages. And while no marriage can ever be 100% affair-proof because both partners are (presumably) imperfect humans, here are some tips to help keep your marriage happy and healthy.
1. There is more to love than sex. The reason a lot of people (young and old!) sleep around is because they confuse sex with love. The same can be true in a marriage. A long-term relationship needs more stimulation than body to body contact. Consider stroking his ego, encouraging him, and supporting him as he fulfills his roles as husband, father, and employee. He has a lot on his shoulders. Acknowledge and respect that!
2. But don't neglect the bedroom either. Sounds like something a man would say, right? No, really. Sex is key to a happy and healthy marriage. While frequency may vary between happy couples, neglecting the bedroom all together is a prescription for disaster.
3. Learn how to fight. When arguing about anything from money, to family, to what is for dinner, always keep the argument on the what and not the who. No name calling. No finger pointing. Keep the problem the issue; not the person. And do not wait until the problem is HUGE before talking about it. Communicate about issues as they arise, not as they compound.
4. Hang out with happy couple friends. Seeing other happily married people maintains a positive feeling towards marriage. If all the friends around the dinner table are single, divorced, or wished they were divorced, it is very difficult to stay focused on a happy marriage.
5. Date your spouse! Dating is essential because it is a reminder of why the love blossomed to begin with. If there are young kids at home or finances make going out impossible, make a date night when the kids are tucked in bed. Rent a movie and snuggle on the couch after a candlelight dinner. Dating does not have to break the bank, but it does need to be a priority.
Comments
Thanks for this! I think it is important. It looks like these "must dos" were not on the list for Jon and Kate. And that's unfortunate. But, I know in the stress of life we can overlook these.
what about the husband? there should be another point here: 6. don't cheat on your wife-- at all.
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