1 - Don't take each other for Granted
I'm glad they listed this first. This to me, is one of the hardest things. We all get in our routine and forget about how much our spouse does for us - how much they love us when no one else does - how we are sharing our entire lives with them and no one else. It's a pretty big task and we need to thank them for putting up with us. :)
2 - Work Together to Improve Your Sex Life
I approach this subject delicately because of it's intimate nature. But let's not forget that physical intimacy is an important part of the way that we connect to our spouse in a way that is only between the two of us. It's essential to talk about this aspect of our marriage - not necessarily in a dirty way, but in a romantic way. Leave love notes for your spouse, flirt with them, plan on alone time, etc. Remember that not only is this a special and sacred part of your relationship, it is one that can help you grow together.
3 - Agree to Do Your Share of Chores Around the House
This has been the hardest problem for my husband and I to figure out. My parents did things one way and his did things another way growing up and now we have to find out what works best for us - who does the dishes? Who's making the kids their school lunches? Find what works best for you and stick with it! We want our marriages to be a PARTNERSHIP and we need to communicate that to our spouse to make that happen.
4 - Talk about Finances
Ugh - money! This is a definitely a source of contention in so many marriages. Who balances the checkbook? How do we spend the money? How much should we save? Are both husband and wife going to work?
The website quotes "If you are over worked, over extended, and over tired, you put your marriage at risk." If you feel like you are bringing more to the table in worked hours or financially then your spouse does and you are not okay with that, talk about ways to fix it. There is a reason this topic causes so many divorces, if money is tight, stress can seem overwhelming.
5 - Simplify Your Lives
"Reevaluate how you both spend your time and consider how to simplify your lives whether you are newlyweds, a couple with children, or an empty nest couple."
Sometimes I feel like there isn't enough time in the day for necessary things, let alone dates or romantic things in the marriage. But take time - get rid of the things that are unnecessarily taking up your time - whether that be blogging, video games, tv, shopping, etc. We all enjoy having our hobbies on the side (and you should!) but if getting rid of one of them will allow you more time with your spouse - do it! Replace it with things like taking walks with your spouse, reading a book together, talking.
We all know that marriage takes work, a lot of work, but it's worth it for a happy life together!
