How to Build a Strong Marriage

Do not be fooled by the Cosby Show, building a strong marriage takes a lot of work. Married couples need to understand that there several things that you should and shouldn't do in order to build a strong marriage.

Marriage Don'ts

Do not flirt with the opposite sex. If you flirt with the opposite sex you end up making your spouse feel insecure, which could lead to him or her accusing you of infidelity and this in turn could make you view your "close associate" as a potential alternative in case your marriage breaks.

Do not say "I told you so" even if you were right. The best way is to allow your spouse realise his or her error(s) because pointing out that you were right and he or she was wrong can make your spouse feel insulted. If you were right, please be quiet!

Do not snoop! Everyone is entitled to their privacy, you should therefore not invade your spouse's privacy. How would you feel if someone invades your privacy all in a bid to "tidy up" your dresser?

Do not compare your spouse to anyone else, it will always seem that someone else's husband or wife is far better than yours but the truth is, you never really know anyone until you live with them.

Do not criticize your spouse in public! It will hurt your spouse and affect the intimacy and closeness in your relationship.

Marriage Do's

Do be forgiving, always forgive your spouse and try forgetting as well.

Do buy little gifts of appreciation for your spouse. The gifts do not have to cost you an arm or leg, you could buy a book, a piece of chocolate, tie, scarf etc. A little gift of something you know he or she would appreciate shows that you care. Women (especially) appreciate such gestures.

Do be polite to your spouse

Do pay undivided attention to your spouse. Many spouses appreciate attentive partners who are never too busy to listen to what they have to say.

Do show your spouse how much you love him or her. You can call your spouse at work and tell him/her that you called to say how much you care and love them, and you can't wait to see him/her at dinner.

Do compliment your spouse always, because compliments from you shows that you care about them and that you appreciate their physical appearance.

Do enjoyable activities together. Do these things together, go shopping, take dance lessons, exercise etc these activities helps to strengthen your relationship.

Do greet your partner with a happy smile at all times, even if you are not in the best of moods.

Do verbalize your needs. Except you spouse is a mind reader, do not expect him or her to know your every need.

Marriage is hard work and people who have been married for a very long time can tell you that to make a marriage work, you have to be prepared to work hard at it.