Even the best of relationships go through ups and downs. The downs may not always be visible to those on the outside, but they do happen. What you want to do is make sure your relationship has more ups than downs too. Here’s how:
Date Night.
Even married couples need to go out for dates. Just because you have had a wedding doesn’t mean you don’t enjoy dates any longer. And when there are children at home doesn’t mean you have to miss out either. Set a date night weekly or monthly. Arrange for a babysitter or family member to care for the young children. Head out for dinner or a movie to enjoy with your spouse. Go to a baseball game, or catch a theater play. Spend the time getting groceries or even doing odd errands. The important part is that the two of you are spending time together, away from the children and the house.
Communicate.
Always make time to speak to each other. It might be at bedtime or early in the morning, but it is important. Ask about anything going on during their day, work or after work time. And listen! Listening to what they say is just as important as speaking to them. Communicating is a two-way streak that involves speaking and listening, and if one is not done, the communication is ineffective and useless.
Respect.
Your spouse is the person that means the most to you, so treat them that way. Don’t go badmouthing them to co-workers. And forget about complaining to your friends or neighbors about your spouse. If you have a problem with them, take it to them. They are the only one who can fix the problem, not someone else. When you do have a disagreement, never go to bed mad at each other. The problem will only fester during the night and be worse the next day. Discuss the problem and come to a compromise or resolution before you turn off the lights.
Compromise.
You’re not always going to get your way. In life, your career and even your marriage, you will need to compromise on several occasions. You will have to pick and choose what is the most important to you, and compromise on the rest to make your spouse happy. For instance, she wants to live in a two-story house, but you want to have a ranch. Maybe a style can suit both of your needs without resulting in a divorce!