It is a myth to think that happy marriages come naturally.
The fact is that living "happily every after" is not a journey paved with roses.
Growing a happy marriage needs to be worked at, and here are four practical steps to strengthen your marriage.
Be Optimistic In today's hard pressed economy, it is typical for couples to face many stressful situations, like financial issues or relationship issues with the in-laws.
While it is easy to just nitpick and push the blame on your partner, realize that blame does not help solve the problem.
Instead, have an optimistic attitude in resolving stressful situations, work as a team, have trust in each other, and believe that things will turn out well.
Communicate Effectively and Frankly Make it a point to really listen and provide honest feedback, without pushing your point, or insisting on doing things in particular manner.
One way to achieve this easily is to use consultative communication methods.
Instead of saying "We should do it this way", ask "Do you think it would be better if we did this?".
When you ask questions like this, you automatically get feedback for your decision, and your partner will feel appreciated since you sought his or her opinion.
Have Respect for Each Other As couples, you need to be acutely aware of each other's feelings about certain topics.
For example, some little jokes may seem harmless but might be really hurtful to your partner.
Speak up immediately if you find that the occasional joke about "She can't cook an egg to save her life" is bothering you, and request for the jibes to stop.
Having respect each other's opinions and feelings goes a long way in keeping unhappiness out of the relationship.
Appreciate Each Others' Work Tasks like sending the children to school or getting the dishes washed may easily be thought to be taken for granted.
Do something special to show your appreciation for each others' work.
It does not have to be a special occasion for you to get a stalk of rose on your way home, or to relieve his duties for a day by taking the day off and offering to help drive the kids to school.
Growing a strong relationship and happy marriage takes work, and it is easy to overlook the necessity do this work.
However, with just a little faith and effort from both parties, your journey together as a couple will be more wonderful than you can imagine.