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NOTE: This article was originally published on Kevin A. Thompson's blog.
There is a problem that crushes many marriages. This article explains this problem and gives you five tips for not doing so.
I am convinced that the first cause of divorce is not adultery, financial problems or irreconcilable difference. These are mostly symptoms of deeper problems.
Although these problems may be real, I think there is a bigger problem.
The most common problem I see with married couples is the lack of intentional investment in their marriage.
Although the first fair hearing - someone has lost interest, so losing their intent or losing intent to lose interest - from anything so there is a key idea:
We can influence our feelings by intentionally investing in our marriage
As said before, our affections often grow toward our investments. Wherever we put our time, money and energy also ends up receiving our passion, interest and affection.
Think about what this means for a marriage: you will generally feel for your spouse to the extent in which you invest in your spouse.
Your feelings are often far less about them and far more about what effort you have put into your marriage.
Obviously there are exceptions. Some people have made bad choices in who they married or the spouse has made a bad choice in who they have become, but most of the time, we love our spouse to the extent that we invest in our spouse.
Consider what this means: if your feelings of love are waning, they can be recovered. With some effort, intention and energy, love can grow.
Every week I interact with marriages which are suffering. I am often like a triage nurse who observes the couple, makes an initial determination of the seriousness of their illness, and then gets them with the right specialist so the expert can assist them with the issue. As the couple leaves our initial interaction, I almost always give them the same assignment: on the way home, retell the stories of your first date, how you fell in love, what first attracted you to the other, what you love the most about each other and what your dreams are of a future together.
This assignment serves the purpose of unearthing long-buried feelings and memories. Just by recounting the stories, a couple is more likely to feel love for their spouse.
With a little intention, our emotions can drastically change.
Here are five things we can do every day which will reconnect us with our spouse:
1. Pray about the specifics of your spouse's day
Not only will this remind you of the work of God in your life, it will also require you to know the specifics of your spouse's day and will make you wonder how their day turned out.
2. Always kiss goodbye and hello
This is a physical and emotional connection which serves as a reminder of the union between a husband and wife. Make it such a habit that even if you kiss, leave and return, you kiss again.
3. Call, text or email at least once a day to check-in
You can update one another on how the day is going. You can discuss any needs for the evening and make sure everyone is on the same page regarding the schedule for the night.
4. Have at least 5 minutes of uninterrupted conversation
Whether it be first thing in the morning or the last thing at night, relationships demand conversation. Turn off the television, put down the phone and talk. This might be more difficult with young children, but find a way to make it happen. Remember, if you were having an affair you find the time to engage in that affair no matter how busy you are, so make the time for your spouse.
5. Hug for at least 30 seconds
Before you leave for work or after you come home or as you go to bed, have an extended physical embrace which reminds your body, soul and mind of your deep connection with this other person. Studies have shown that hugging reduces blood-pressure, but it also connects you with the person you hug. Physical touch must be more than just sex. By truly embracing every day, each partner will feel more valued and loved.
If your marriage requires anything, it requires intention. To the extent that both spouses are intentional about keeping the marriage healthy, the marriage will thrive. Apathy will slowly erode a marriage, but intention will cause it to continually grow.
Helpful
ReplyDeleteInformative and educative
ReplyDeleteWell written article admin, i think am going to pass the news to some of my friends
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