A Couples Guide to Making a Marriage Work

Over the years I have watched a lot of friends and family meet someone, fall in love and eventually get married. Some have went on to have amazing and happy marriages, and yet some have had miserable lives together. I saw both sides of the spectrum but still it never scared me away. I waited nearly 28 years to find Mrs. Right, and had just about given up when I met my wife. On August 14th 2010 I took my wife's hand in marriage, and while I love every minute of it, I will tell you now it takes work on both parts. This is how we manage to stay happily married.

We both have a strong relationship with God, and this relationship has helped us daily in our marriage. We read the bible together nightly, and pray together several times daily. It helps us keep focus on the important things in life and also helps us to remain thankful for all we have, including each other. We are instructed to be a help to one another, and to love and respect one another. I know that there are some out there who do not feel that this is an important part of marriage, but for me it is the most important part. If you keep what is most important in place, then everything else will work out just as it should.

Lord only knows this is my weak point, but if your intent on making a marriage work this is key. My wife is always telling me things she likes or dislikes, she tells me how her day has been, or even how she is feeling. I try my best to listen intently and take into account what she says or what she wants and she does the same for me. I do have the occasional moment where my mind wanders or I do forget something, and it has gotten me into trouble. Please remember ladies we are very simple creatures at times and we do have a very short attention span so please be patient and know that we try to do our best. Guys remember she tells us these things because she likes for us to show interest in her, so give her your complete attention, and let her know that what she has to say is important to you.

We try our best to have a date night at least once a week. It may be dinner and a movie, taking her to one of her favorite shopping spots, a walk through the park, or a special trip. No matter how long you have been married, don't stop trying to impress one another. If you ever get out of the dating stage you start heading into trouble. Don't stop doing the things that you first did to attract each other. I suggest striving for a date night at a minimum of once a week. You can even switch it up and surprise each other with a special date night and treat when the other would least expect it. It could really lead to something special and fun for both of you.

Last but not least keep the sparks there, not only in the bedroom but everywhere. Kisses and hugs go a long way. We are all longing for physical touch and affection. While the stuff that goes on behind bedroom doors is really great, the little things matter just as much. Hold hands, put your arms around each other, or even just spend a moment to look into each others eyes. Let the person you are married to know why you married them. If you did it for the right reasons then the answer will always be easy because YOU LOVE THEM.

Basically I am saying that the key to making a marriage work is not an exact science. If you ask this question to 100 different people then you will get 100 different answers. The things I mentioned are only suggestions, and some of you will agree with them and some won't. You married the person your with because you love them and the road doesn't come with out its share of bumps and bruises. If you both truly love each other you will have to both sacrifice and compromise and become understanding of each other. Anyone can be married it takes a commitment to be happily married. Best of luck to each of you in this journey and know your not alone along the way.