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12 Small Things That Will Make A Big Difference In Your Marriage
Communication
Communicating with each other is one of the most important things you can do for your relationship. It’s a positive, productive way to remove obstacles between the two of you. If you set aside one-on-one time every day, you will start to strengthen your connection as a couple.
Honesty
If partners aren’t honest with each other, it can do irreparable damage to the marriage. Sometimes you may be tempted to keep something from your spouse “for their own good.” You are both adults and deserve complete honesty, even if it hurts.
Acceptance
Give your partner the freedom to be an individual, even if you can’t see the value in what they are doing. Also, remember that you are both fallible human beings. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy teaches that we have to forgive our partner and also forgive ourselves for mistakes in order to move forward in a relationship.
RELATED ARTICLE: Therapists Reveal 6 Things Which Always End Marriages
Respec
You might find yourself showing more respect to a stranger in line at a store than to your partner. If this happens, it’s time for a self-check! Being considerate and respectful to those in our immediate family is vital because they are the important people in our lives.
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Caring
Being a nurturer can sometimes become a lopsided trait in a marriage. If one spouse is doing all of the listening and helpings, it’s time to intentionally focus on that spouse’s needs as well. It’s not a tit-for-tat situation, though. The more you care for each other, the closer you both become.
Selflessness
This involves doing things for the other person’s benefit, even if it’s not convenient or enjoyable for you. You know your spouse better than anyone, and it’s okay to do things that only he or she is excited about occasionally. Giving attention to the needs of the one you love is one way to focus on their well-being.
Sharing
Sharing with your partner includes emotional sharing. This person who shares your life deserves to be the person who gets “the scoop” on how you feel and what’s going on in your life. Fair sharing of chores is a close second, though! Both of you should agree to an even distribution of daily work and keep up with it.
Accountability
This means following up on promises and being there when your partner needs you. It’s also speaking kindly of your spouse to others and putting them ahead of friendships. This includes accepting influence from your partner more often than your friends.
Touch
Everyone needs to be touched – it’s an established human need. Touching can create the emotional bond needed to be vulnerable with each other. It’s also a good way to build !ntimacy with your spouse.
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Reliability
You both need to know that, of all people, you can count on each other. It’s best not to share too much about your spouse with others, and especially not to criticize them in front of anyone else. You should be each other’s biggest fan and greatest admirer.
READ ALSO: How Niecy Nash Is Still Spicing Up Her Marriage: ‘Stolen Moments’ And ‘Naked Skype”
Forgiveness
Once you have communicated honestly and resolved issues, then consider that chapter of your relationship closed. Never bring up mistakes of the past to bolster your argument, because true forgiveness really does mean “forgive and forget.”
Humor
We left this for last because humor is the glue that holds all relationships together! It’s important to be able to laugh with each other and humor can make even the toughest situations seem easier.
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