Every relationship is unique, but there’s one thing they all need. It’s an effort.
From articles to videos, there’s plenty of relationship advice. However, as a marriage advisor who has worked with business owners and their families for over 20 years, I have found that success at work also leads to success in marriage and committed relationships.
Successful healthy relationships require just as much effort and effort. Especially in married life, the struggles don’t end with the wedding. It continues until “death do us part.”
Whether you’re in a relationship or married, both partners need to play their fair share and pull their weight in order to last.
If you put as much effort into building your career as you do into learning how to build healthy relationships, you’ll achieve the same success.
Here are 10 small marriage habits that will make your relationship healthier than most.
1. Take responsibility for the health of your relationship
You and your spouse are responsible for the state of your marriage.
Recognize that your beliefs, choices, and actions all impact your relationship, and strive to make decisions that support your bond.
2. Demonstrate the behavior you expect from your spouse.
If you want to be a kind, considerate, and hard-working person, you need to adopt these traits as well.
Lay the foundation for a successful marriage by doing things that make you proud of yourself. Nurture your relationship by showing your spouse love and respect.
3. Give more than expected
Treat your partner the way you want to be treated, and go the extra mile.
Be a role model, even if you don’t think your spouse will give you back what you put into your marriage. Live without expectations of reciprocity.
4. Be clear about who you are.
Being clear about who you are and where you are going gives you a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
By talking about what you want and encouraging your spouse to do the same, you can create a framework for evaluating your desired outcomes.
5. Continue to hone your interpersonal skills
Few couples actively take the time to improve their relationship skills.
However, it is important to continually strive to strengthen your bond.
6. Insist on marriage or commitment.
Society tells us that spouses should consider divorce when things are no longer “fun” or “easy.”
Rather than accepting this view, consider marriage to be the most important relationship. Remember that your union is sacred.
7. Commit to your partner
Marriage is not only an investment in your partner, but also in your relationship.
Make the effort necessary to maintain a healthy marriage and keep your commitments, even when the going gets tough.
8. Aim for personal growth
The challenges we face help us learn and grow. Couples who have survived difficult times report happier and stronger marriages.
If you strive to improve yourself, your marriage will also improve.
9. Learn from other successful relationships.
People who have never witnessed another happy marriage or experienced a committed relationship often struggle with these relationships.
Remember that your example will give future generations a framework for success.
10. Remember that anything is possible
If you want to enjoy a happy marriage, you need to take the time to nurture your relationship. This doesn’t happen naturally other than the next raise or promotion. Set your goals accurately and work hard to achieve them.
Ultimately, the power to change your marriage is in your hands. Since you have a great deal of influence over your thoughts and attitudes, they are the result of the actions you take.
Dr. Lisa Webb is the author of this book. Executive Marriage Solutions: Turn boardroom success into bedroom bliss. She is also an entrepreneur, president and CEO. Body & Mind ConsultingChief Relationship Officer, Executive Relationship Advisor.