How to Make Your Marriage Work

Marriage is a full time job. It's not always going to be perfect and it takes effort from both people to create a healthy relationship. If your marriage isn't doing so well right now, that's ok, as long as you are both willing to work at it, you can fix it. Below you will find a list of suggestions to use in your marriage every day to help improve it. I assure you, if you use these "guidelines" every day, you will find yourself in a much happier marriage.

1. HAVE RESPECT - You have to show one another respect in order for things to work. Think of the one person in your life that you have the highest respect for (i.e. - mother, grandparent, friend) and treat your spouse no differently from the way you would treat that person.

2. HONESTY - No matter what the issue, be honest with one another on a daily basis. Share your thoughts and opinions (good or bad).

3. GREET each other with a smile and kiss each time one comes in the door. Whether you are getting home from work, school, a meeting, a ball game, or a concert, greet each other at the door!

4. BE MATURE - Don't yell at each other to the top of your lungs, it does nothing but make you even more angry. Instead, talk to each other in a conversation. Talk out your disagreements. You have to communicate. DO NOT call each other names or curse at one another.

5. (If you have children) DON"T FIGHT AROUND YOUR CHILD(REN). Period. It is uncalled for and will affect your child through life more than you probably know. Go to another room where your kids are not exposed.

6. DON"T FIGHT ABOUT MONEY. I realize that's hard to do, but money is one of the leading causes of divorce in this country. Remember that money can not buy you love. Money can only buy material items. When you're left without your spouse, your money won't provide you a true love. You must love your spouse because you did marry him/her.

7. HAVE FUN - set aside at least one night every week where you go out to see a movie or go to dinner. If you have a child(ren) try to get a sitter for a few hours. It's important for you to have your own time together.

8. HAVE A FAMILY DAY - Where you take your child(ren) out for aday. Go to the park, to the movies, or just for a walk, but you should have your family time together as well.

9. If your schedules allow it, HAVE DINNER AT THE TABLE as a family. This can have such an impact on your relationship and your family. It gives you a chance to talk about your day and just have a conversation.

10. Repeat steps 1-9 every day to help improve your marriage.

Remember, you BOTH have to be serious in order for your marriage to improve. One of the biggest keys to a successful marriage is to have open communication. So many things affect marriages every day that people just don't realize. Money, sex, religion, and even your children can have huge effects on a relationship and family. Don't let your marriage go, fight for it! The divorce rate is far too high these days and it shouldn't be. People are either getting married for the wrong reasons or they are giving up on marriage before they have even tried to make it work. It's worth it for you, your spouse and your children (if you have any, or any future children you may have). Life is short, enjoy it. Don't let the petty things bring you down! Do something about it NOW.

~Love is a precious part of life that we all take for granted every day~