The article is developed in partnership with BetterHelp.
Got marriage problems? You’re not alone. In some parts of the world, roughly fifty percent of marriages end in divorce.
This doesn’t mean that you will necessarily experience the same fate, however. It is quite possible to improve your marriage, whether or not that’s with the support of marriage counseling.
Relationships can be tough, and marriage is sure no exception. If you are here reading this article, it’s a good sign. It most likely means that you want things to change for the better.
No matter the source of your marriage problems, you can work on fixing them with time and effort. So, read on to learn about five easy ways that you can not only repair your marriage but eventually make it stronger than ever.
5 Ways to Work on Your Marriage
The internet has millions of articles and resources, and not all of these are created equal. Luckily for us, however, there are trustworthy resources on marriage and other topics from the likes of BetterHelp.
Now, without further ado, let’s cover five ways you can work on your marriage.
Restore Intimacy
It’s common to have intimacy issues over time. Even these can improve with time, however!
One key aspect of intimacy issues is to not force the issue. You need to communicate and solve any larger problems you may have. After that, try going slowly with light, non-sexual touching. This could be hand holdings, a shoulder rub, etc.
Re-establishing touch in your relationship is key to overcome intimacy problems and rekindle the spark.
Be Complimentary
Over time, a marriage may grow a little dull. You may not really feel that spark you once felt. While this is sad, it’s common. And it doesn’t have to be this way!
One simple way of improving your marriage involves being more complimentary. You can easily make your partner feel validated and loved by reminding them of the things you love about them. Compliment their attitude, their appearance, something they’ve done—really anything (done tastefully) will be welcome.
Stay in the Present
It’s all too easy for us nowadays to get distracted. There are work emails, phone calls, the seductions of the infinite scroll on social media.
When we engage in these behaviors, however, we’re not being truly present. If the moment calls for you to be focused on your partner, then prevent yourself from getting distracted. Simply putting your phone down can make a huge difference for your relationship.
Active Listening
We’ve all been “listening” at times without really capturing what is being said. Whether it’s distraction, fatigue, or simply not caring, it happens to the best of us.
That said, if you have a listening problem with your partner, it is likely hurting your relationship. Focus on staying engaged by orienting your body towards them and refraining from interrupting. Nod and ask questions and show that you’re sympathetic to them.
Being a good listener and conversation partner is integral to a marriage that lasts.
Surprises
Can you remember the last time that you surprised your partner? This is an easy thing to do that does’nt necessarily have to break the bank.
For example, you can surprise them with a dinner-and-movie date. Or you could leave flowers for them when they get home from work.
No matter the surprise, it shows that you care enough about them to want to surprise them and make them happy.
Conclusion
Marriage can be a beautiful thing but it can also be challenging. That’s okay, though. You can overcome your marriage issues with time and effort. Trying the five above tips is a great start. And if you need more support, don’t hesitate to get the help of a licensed marriage counselor.