How to Be an Understanding Spouse

It's easy to blame your spouse for problems in the marriage. However, men and women have different emotional priorities, and trying to understand is crucial to a happy union. By understanding your spouse's feelings, you will ease frustration, strengthen your marriage and increase your happiness.

Instructions

1. Realize that your spouse may have different emotional needs or feelings from yours. Once you know this, you can appreciate them and try to understand and meet those needs.

2. Remember the reason you fell in love with him or her. At the beginning of your relationship, your spouse must have met some your emotional needs, and it's important to keep that alive throughout the changes in your marriage.

3. Identify those emotional needs. When you know them, becoming an understanding spouse comes more easily. Try not to belittle your spouse's feelings or needs; they are very important.

4. Listen to your spouse. By listening to each other, you will learn what your spouse is feeling, and what he expects from the relationship.

5. Spend time together. Do things that interest each of you. Make compromises, and share your activities.

6. Take a few moments each day or night to spend some intimate time alone. It could be as simple as cuddling on the couch or a night of lovemaking.

Tips & Warnings

• Always think before you speak. Often words said in haste can be hurtful.

• Never put your spouse's feelings on the back burner.