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How To Keep Love Alive In Your Marriage
 Category |
: Family |
 Times Read |
: 18 |
 Date |
: 01 July 2008 07:00 |
by: Patty Apostolides
In the beginning of a relationship, love seems to have a life of its own. Without much effort, you feel like you are on top of the world. You catch yourself smiling and laughing often, and feeling warm inside whenever you are with your loved one. Everything and everyone suddenly appears better through the rose-colored glasses of love. This euphoric feeling does not last forever, however. After the first year of marriage, the day to day activities of being married, working in a job, raising a family, buying and maintaining a home, etc., all take their toll, and romance takes a back seat.
Love has to be worked on, just like a gardener with his garden. Although he has planted the seeds, and expects the sun and rain to do most of the work, he still has to pull the weeds out of the garden, to fertilize it, and water it if there isnt enough rain. That is the same with a healthy, loving relationship. When love becomes a high priority in a marriage, it is taken care of and nurtured daily. The resulting love rewards you by growing into a more mature, mellow, committed feeling, and when tested, rises up to meet the challenge. How does one keep love alive in a marriage?
Make Time
You need to designate quality time with your loved one. Dont take it for granted that he/she will always be there when you want them. Remember all those dates you took when you were courting? Now, its not so easy. Theres usually someone else making demands on him/her whether its the children with their homework, or the boss expecting you to work late hours, or even an elderly parent that requires assistance. Also, it now might require finding a baby-sitter, or juggling the time with another activity that might take precedence. Whatever happens, make time for each other. Also, make time to hug and/or kiss each other often. Youll be glad you did. The time you spend together will re-energize you and make you feel good for the rest of the day.
If you cant get away, you can still set a date at home, after the children are asleep. The important thing is to have fun together. Here are a few things you can plan to do at home together:
This is not the time to solve lifes problems or issues. If there are any lurking issues in the background (and these may be keeping you from enjoying yourself), then sometimes you just might have to talk about it first, get it out in the open in a loving environment, then continue with your plans. Often, positive energy is tied up within us when a problem or issue has not been resolved.
Use these times to tell him/her how special they are to you (how intelligent, how thoughtful, how loving, how caring, etc.).
What is Romance?
Romance is the opportunity to show your loved one how special he/she is to you. It means taking the time for them, and making time, even if you dont have it. It doesnt mean thinking only about yourself, or having only your needs met. It means putting the other person first. Here are some ideas to spice up your romance:
If your spouse doesnt do things for you, then show him/her by gently pointing out what you like. If you like flowers for your birthday, and you havent gotten flowers, then let them know, particularly when he/she asks you what you would like. Dont think they can read your mind, let them know.
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
Over time, we learn how to read our spouse. Their behavior, their actions, are important clues that alert us to how they are feeling. Often, we think we know what they are thinking, and we become sloppy, and dont talk about it, or they dont bring it up.
For example, if he had a bad day at the office, and comes home snapping at the children and being tense, the last thing to do is to take it personally. Invite him to relax, as dinner is prepared, then after hes eaten, ask him how his day was. Sooner or later, the truth will come out, and you will learn what happened. You need to be a responsive listener, and not criticize your spouse, for he will surely clam up. The last thing he wants to hear is criticism.
Other signs that can bring on a spouses anger/tenseness:
Hunger: If your spouse hasnt eaten for awhile, not only their stomach growls, but they growl also. Keep your husband well fed (but not overfed)
Criticism: Try and avoid criticizing your partner. If there is something bothering you, then voice it in a way that you dont point fingers or blame him/her. Try not to keep distance between you. Communicate your feelings, how his/her action affected you, and how you were hurt by that action. Never, ever criticize your spouse in public. An apology is forthcoming, no matter how right you thought you were.
Tiredness: If your husband has been working all day, and you ask him to do a bunch of chores when he gets home, dont expect him to thank you. See if you can spread the chores out, so they include the weekend. Planning ahead helps here.
Take Care of Your Body
Although you may not look like you did when you were dating years ago, you can take measures to look just as good if not better.
Dont Substitute
Dont substitute anyone or anything else for your loved one. Dont go to a coworker or a friend, and share intimate secrets, because you may be betraying your loved ones trust. Dont watch television or be on the computer all the time, when you could be spending quality time with your loved one. Dont spend all your time with the children, ignoring your spouse, because your husband or wife should be number one on the list. If people, organizations, or children clamor for your attention, put your spouse first, and then them. When you put your spouse first, youll notice you wont need to be going to all these other people for emotional support. Youll also notice youll be having more fun with the person youll spend the rest of your life with. Dont underestimate the importance of love in a marriage. Cherish and nurture it, and you will have made the best investment in your life.
About The Author
Patty Apostolides is author of Lipsis Daughter. She has also published poetry and written several articles. Her website showcases her work: http://www.geocities.com/10500bc/index.html
Liendou@Writing.com
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