Build a stronger marriage in minutes
These four tips prove that the road to happily-ever-after doesn't have to be long, winding or bumpy.
Flip your focus. It's easy to fall into the honey-don't
trap, fixating on everything your husband doesn't do for you. To
get out, start to notice what he does, and then reinforce good
behavior. Find one thing a day you can thank him for, even if it's
working so hard at his job. A little taste of positive feedback
will leave him wanting more.
Laugh it up. Marriage is a serious commitment, but that
doesn't mean you have to be serious all the time. Getting silly
together will remind you that your husband is more than just a
bill-paying, car-pool-driving, house-cleaning partner.
Create catch-up time. Touch base every day, even if it's
just for a few minutes before you pass out from exhaustion at
night. If you maintain your connection daily, you'll be able to
make better use of the moments you finally do get to spend
together.
Mind your manners. You're polite to the person next to you
in line at the grocery store, so why not extend the same courtesy
to the man you married? Need some incentive? Speaking nicely to
each other makes everything easier. The next time you ask him to do
something -- whether it's taking out the garbage or giving you a
back rub -- throw in a please and see if he's quicker to jump to
it.