When you get married no one walks up to you and hands you a manual. Yes, of course we learn as children from the adults in our lives how to show up in a relationship.
But, we all know those teachings aren’t always up to par. We also stumble through sometimes, doing what feels right.
Love and marriage can be tricky.
Just when we think we have it all figured out, we often don’t. For those of us who still need a little guidance, here are 4 marriage do’s that could strengthen your marriage and 4 don’ts that could rip it apart – the choice is yours!
Do’s
1. Do love your spouse like you’re still newlyweds. Remember how exciting that time was? You probably thought about your spouse all day back then.
Maybe you were anxious to get home or just spend some time together. Keep those memories at the forefront of your mind. Especially when life hits you. Remember that love is the glue keeping your relationship strong.
Related: 4 Rules for building amazing intimacy in your relationship
2. Do always seek tools to improve your relationship. Even when things are good, attend marriage ministry outings and read books that will help you maintain that goodness.
3. Do date, make love, cater to your spouse and all the other things that marriages need in order to survive. .Communication and connection are vital to the health of your marriage.
4. Do pay attention, listen, and ask questions. Show your spouse that you are present, interested, and that they are the priority. These are the basic needs of most humans. Of course we desire them most from our spouse.
Don’ts
1. Don’t fight unfairly. Using what you know to hurt your spouse or hitting below the belt when you disagree crosses the line. Don’t say what you don’t mean. Being an adult and speaking to your spouse with love and respect will always deliver the best results.
2. Don’t just be a complainer in your marriage. Be solution-focused. Don’t bring up something that isn’t working in your relationship without also having a possible solution on how to fix it.
Related: 4 ways to break the nitpicking and complaining curse in your marriage
3. Don’t allow the opinions of others to dictate the actions in your relationship. It doesn’t matter if it’s family or the BFF, your marriage only includes you, your spouse, and God.
4. Don’t be so quick to call it quits. So your marriage is a little harder than you thought. Just like every other obstacle in your life, you stay, fight, and overcome.
I love being married, but it wasn’t always easy. These do’s and don’ts definitely keep me on track and prayerfully will do the same for you.
BMWK, what do’s and don’ts would you add?