Carrie Hoffman is gracing us again with her thoughts on marriage and parenting. I used her article and added a little to it, so know that you are reading both of our words.
You can visit Carrie at her website, Embrace Life Coaching.
Below you will find some simple reminders for couples. Carrie chose 21 of her favorite tidbits from the book “365 Things Every Couple Should Know” by Doug Fields.
My challenge to you is to read each one of these 21 things slowly. After reading one, think about what it means, if you are currently doing it, and if you want to add it to your relationship, how you will do that. This is a challenge, and it takes some time to make it through this list. Feel free to leave it and revisit when you have more time.
1. The qualities within your spouse that ignited your interest when you first met.
2. How to give your spouse a visible expression of love.
3. The importance of looking into your spouse’s eyes while listening.
4. One compliment a day isn’t too many.
5. Good memories are priceless no matter what they cost.
6. The importance of courtship after marriage.
7. How to make your spouse laugh.
8. The simple intimacy of holding hands.
9. A romantic location within walking distance from your home.
10. Unexpected gifts can bring great pleasure.
11. Marriages are built on small expressions of affection.
12. How to appreciate and accept the differences in your partner.
13. How to say “I’m sorry.”
14. How to agree more and argue less.
15. Being the right person is more important than trying to change your spouse into the right person.
16. How to make every anniversary a special celebration.
17. A growing marriage gets stronger and better over the years.
18. Guidelines for a great marriage won’t work unless you apply them.
19. The triggers that hurt feelings.
20. The value of a hug.
21. Your spouse is priceless.
TAKE ACTION!
Now that you’ve read the list, is there one that stands out that you can take action on this week? Maybe you look at #7 and decide to make your spouse laugh this week.
Maybe you look at #11 and decide to add some small expressions of affection to your marriage this week.
Maybe you look at #13 and decide to apologize for a hurt you caused.
Whatever you do, #18 holds true. Guidelines for a great marriage don’t work unless you do them. Take action this week, even if it’s a small action! You can also pick out the ones you need to work on and write them on your mirror with a white board marker or scribble it on a Post-It and stick it on your car’s dashboard until you feel you’ve conquered it.
Share your experiences in a comment below !
-What do you think you need to work on?
-What challenge did you give yourself this week and how did it work out?
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