eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to be Happier in Your Marriage

Contributor
By Tishin Donkersley, M.A.
eHow Contributing Writer
(1 Ratings)
be Happier in Your Marriage
be Happier in Your Marriage

Crazy schedules, kids, dogs, little league, money, stress and no quality time can contribute to the downfall of happiness in a marriage. It is never too late to set things right.Here are some ways to be happier in your marriage. Adding happiness to your relationship can help you grow closer together than you imagine.

From Quick Guide: Husband Appreciation Guide
Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

    Steps to a Happier Marriage

  1. Step 1

    Make jokes and laugh often. Even laugh at yourself. Find time to reminisce about the crazy fun times or look at old pictures. Laughter helps couples get through even the most mundane issues and prepares them for the big ones.

  2. Step 2

    Explore the interests of your spouse that you've never considered trying before. Ask to do it with them, or take classes in it when applicable. By asking questions or spending time learning about the interest, it shows you care. Feeling cared about inspires giving on another. It sets things off on a great turn, and you find things out about your partner you never knew.

  3. Step 3

    Respect the feelings of your husband or wife. Begin to celebrate and acknowledge what each other brings to the relationship, regardless of how small or large the contribution.

  4. Step 4

    Acknowledge that you are a team in life. If you have ever been on a sports or performance team, you understand that the best way to develop a cohesive team is to begin functioning like a team. You and your spouse are on the best team ever and the strongest method to develop cohesion is to function as a team and look out for one another. What are you doing to build your team?

  5. Step 5

    Bite your tongue if a criticism is petty or unnecessary. Nagging is the opposite of an aphrodisiac, and can tear people apart from one another. If a criticism would be helpful, try to state it in a considerate way at a time when your partner isn't vulnerable to criticism.

  6. Step 6

    Have a talk with your partner about what makes them truly happy, and what would make them happier in the relationship with you. Tell them what needs you have that aren't being met. Making the relationship a happy priority will be the right answer to all the questions you hold about your marriage.

Tips & Warnings
  • "Focus on the outcome not the process." ~ Tishin Donkersley, M.A.
  • Not having time is not an excuse
  • Not trying is not an excuse

Comments  

Flag This Comment

on 6/24/2009 #5 is good. I try to remind myself of all my hubby's wonderful qualities even when he's being not-so-wonderful. Good article

Post a Comment

Post a Comment
  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This

Related Ads

Get Free Relationships & Family Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Relationships and Family
eHow_eHow Parenting, Relationships and Family