7 Habits of a Healthy Marriage
Growing up, my grandparents were a rock-solid couple no matter what life handed to them. After 65 years of marriage, their love has weathered many storms and stood the test of time. Their constant devotion had me wondering of their secrets for success. What habits make a healthy marriage and how does one keep love as the center of their home?
After listening to their story, their solid foundation of love and devotion was built on these seven habits.
7 Habits of a Healthy Marriage
Mutual respect
While I’ve often heard that a man’s #1 need is respect, ladies also need respect in a relationship. Respect places value and importance on your spouse, and presents a united front to the outside world.
When both partners strive to demonstrate respect in action, there is more harmony and peace in a home. There’s also more contentment and security in the relationship as well.
Respect in action can be shown in a variety of ways. Some practical examples include guarding your tongue, watching your tone of voice, and keeping nagging to a minimum. While it may be difficult to practice at times, the benefits for a healthy relationship are so rewarding.
Communication
Opening up and discussing those uncomfortable topics are not a highlight for any couple. Yet when regular communication happens, there is a safety net placed around a marriage. A couple feels safe to share struggles, their satisfactions and issues within the relationship, and any conflict that arises.
In turn, the partner becomes the “first line of defense”, and the one you turn to first in times of joy and sorrow.
Affection/intimacy
While it’s no secret that a busy life can change the acts of affection between a husband and wife, it’s crucial to the health of the relationship to continue being affectionate with your spouse.
Nothing says I love you and would choose you all over again like hugs, kisses, hand holding, and getting intimate with your spouse!
Trust
There is a deeper level of intimacy when two partners can completely trust each other. There is a freedom in knowing that the one who holds your heart here on Earth can be trusted with every aspect of your life.
Forgiveness
It can be hard to humble yourself and admit when you are wrong. However, when a spouse forgives and shows grace in messy moments, there is beauty in that act of forgiveness.
And when mistakes are truly forgiven, it means not bringing up the old stuff or keeping a record of wrongs. There’s nothing that shows the love of Christ more than forgiving your imperfect spouse and truly erasing the offense from your heart.
Laughter
It is said that laughter is the best medicine for a reason! Laughter can mend a fence and unite two souls again. It can lighten a dismal situation and free a worried heart. So laugh on, be silly together, and strive to make your spouse smile and laugh today!
Acts of Service
At the end of a long day, it can be daunting to think about anything other than a hot shower and warm bed. But finding ways to serve your spouse, will renew your lagging spirit and remind your love how much you still care.
It’s the little things that count and lets your spouse know that you are thinking of him/her and placing their needs above your own.
While you may not always feel like serving, building into your marriage each day will reap more rewards than you can imagine.
Marriage temperature check…..
After reading these habits of healthy marriages, how do you think things are going in yours? Is there an area in which you need to recommit your heart to your spouse, or some aspect you need to work on?
What do you do when you realize you’ve missed the mark on many of these and your marriage is in need of serious work?
Discuss your thoughts with a spouse, find a biblical and wise counselor if necessary, and open the lines of communication.
If you’re stuck, it doesn’t have to be this way forever. You can get help and restore your marriage to a healthy place again!
Which of these healthy habits for marriage do you need to work on the most? For me, I need to recommit to being more affectionate. He’s a snuggler and I’m not, but I want to be sure I’m meeting his needs. I’d love to hear how things are going for you!
