40 Ways to Have an Effective Marriage

1) Go on a weekend getaway, just the two of you.

2) Let your spouse know how important they are to you by actually showing it instead of just telling them.

3) Show interest in his hobbies whether you love them or not. Make them become a part of your life too.

4) Be tender and gentle and realize he has feelings too.

5) Try to understand where he is coming from rather than it’s your way or the highway.

6) When out spending an enjoyable night together don’t bring up nagging topics or problems. Just have fun.

7) Give him your undivided attention instead of 10 percenting it as we call it (: Still working on this one.

8) Let go of the small things. We all do annoying things and sometimes it’s better to just let it go then cause an avoidable argument.

9) Communicate respectfully and avoid placing blame such as “You did this.. You did that..”

10) Focus on what he is doing right instead of what he is doing wrong. I am really working on this one and let me tell you, it has made all the difference in our marriage.

11) Communicate with him in his particular love language.

12) Always defend your spouse, never say inappropriate or rude things about them whether you are joking or not.

13) Hide notes for him around the house.

14) Strive towards certain goals together.

15) Admit your mistakes, be humble. Sometimes I feel like I am weak by letting him know I was wrong, but pride is a big no no when it comes to having an effective marriage.

16) Play games together.

17) Laugh together.

18) Give him alone time or time to spend with his friends. Sometimes we need a break from each other and don’t let it bother you. Your marriage will be stronger because of it.

19) Offer advice when you can, avoid nagging.

20) Respect his desires and wishes.

21) Pray for him.

22) Offer massages after a long days work.

23) Express to him your needs.

24) Take drives together. I love Sunday drives. We love to just drive through nice neighborhoods and pick out things we love in other houses and what we want for our future. We never agree haha, but we compromise.

25) Brag about him to other people.

26) Express your appreciation always. Don’t expect they know how you feel.

27) Make time for each other.

28) Be kind and thoughtful.

29) Be a student and let him be the teacher. I tend to get very offensive if he tries to show me how to do something better. I KNOW how to do it… Be humble and let him help you or teach you more effectively.

30) Love your inlaws. I have many friends who can’t stand the In-laws because maybe they said something once that hurt their feelings, or the mother in law is too protective over her son, or so on… Well get over it. They are your family too and you need to act like it. Love them and treat them with respect.

31) Take special notice when he does something you are especially grateful for.

32) Know his sexual needs and desires.

33) Don’t expect him to read your mind. And especially don’t get mad when he doesn’t read it.

34) Be physically active. I think it is so so so important to look good and feel good not only for yourself, but for your spouse as well.

35) Give him the benefit of the doubt.

36) Cheer his successes.

37) Talk through important decisions you need to make and decide together.

38) Try not to argue over money. Money is the cause of much heartache in relationships and avoid that.

39) Hold his hand at home and in public.

40) And especially do not belittle his intelligence.