How to have a strong marriage

                                What is a marriage

What Is the Definition of Marriage?

Marriage is defined differently, and by different entities, based on cultural, religious, and personal factors.  

A commonly accepted and encompassing definition of marriage is the following: a formal union and social and legal contract between two individuals that unites their lives legally, economically, and emotionally. The contractual marriage agreement usually implies that the couple has legal obligations to each other throughout their lives or until they decide to divorce. Being married also gives legitimacy to sexual relations within the marriage. Traditionally, marriage is often viewed as having a key role in the preservation of morals and civilization

                                 

                                          A Healthy Marriage

It takes work to have a healthy marriage but it is possible. Just like good nutrition and regular exercise can help you have a healthy body, there are things you can do to have a healthy marriage. Here are some tips to strengthen your marriage

*Spend time with each other 

Married partners need time together in order to grow strong. Plan regularly scheduled date nights and weekend activities.

*Learn to negotiate conflicts

Conflict is a normal part of any relationship.Working out problems in a relationship starts with understanding what your issues are and how to discuss them. There are many resources available to help you learn how to deal with conflict.

*Show respfect for each other at all times

Treating your partner as you would like to be treated will strengthen your bond. Paying your partner a compliment is a quick and easy way to show them respect. When you are tempted to complain to someone about one of your partner’s flaws, ask yourself how you would feel if they did that to you?

*Explore Intimacy

Marital intimacy can open your relationship to a whole new level of enjoyment and closeness. It is important, however, to remember that intimacy does not always mean sexuality. Learn the difference between emotional and physical intimacy and when each one is most appropriate. 

*Explore common interests 

Couples thrive when they share similar interests. A common interest may be cooking or eating new foods together, going for walks or playing cards. The goal is to have something outside your family that you both can enjoy

            Practical Ways to Strengthen Your Relationship With Your Spouse

A number of couples enter into the marriage relationship relying solely on the power of their feelings rather than establishing healthy relational habits. But feelings can come and go, and if that’s all your marriage is built on, you’re in trouble. As Mark Altrogge points out, “Genuine love is not primarily a feeling, but a costly decision to sacrifice yourself for the good of another person.”

Ways to Build a Strong Marriage Relationship:

* Always answer the phone when your spouse is calling

*Forgive quickly. This sounds simple, but it is one of the most challenging parts of a marriage relationship for many

*Surround yourself with friends who will strengthen your marriage 

*Make sex a priority as it is an important element of a strong marriage.

*Keep communication lines open.

Ask tshem, and listen attentively when they are talking.

*PRAY together. It is one of the most intimate acts a couple can experience together, and it will strengthen your bond.

                     Ways to Save a Struggling Relationship

You’ve heard it a million times but it bears repeating: even the strongest relationships face challenges.

Building a happy, healthy partnership takes work and may not always be easy, especially when there’s been a breach of trust. “Issues are a part of life and a part of being in a relationship,” says clinical psychologist Stone Kraushaar. “And the goal is to not fixate on the past, but work to create together in a meaningful way".

Here are some tips to get you started, whether you’re dealing with the fallout from a betrayal or trying to keep a long-distance relationship going 

1. Take full responsibility if you’re at fault

2. Give your partner the opportunity to win your trust back

3. Practice radical transparency

4. Seek professional help

5. Extend compassion and care to the person you hurt

Rather than spend all your time beating yourself up over what you did wrong, try shifting that energy toward showing care and compassion to your partner.

All these factors, if taken care of, can help build a strong marriage