How to Stay Married in the Age of Divorce

Marriage is under attack and divorce is on the rampage. Being happily married in an age of divorce takes work, dedication, communication and two willing people. Working together with the same goal in mind will be the key to staying married in an age of divorce.

Instructions

1. Create a united front. If you talk about your goals for your marriage and make a plan that you both agree to stick with, you can have a happy and successful marriage.

2. Take responsibility for your own happiness. If you don't rely on your spouse to fulfil you and make you feel happy, you are one step closer to being happy in your marriage.

3. Find ways to let your spouse know they are loved and appreciated. When you take responsibility for yourself, and be a giving spouse, you will be on your way to being happy and making a happy marriage.

4. Don't try to change your spouse. Instead, look for ways you need to change and work on yourself. This will help end playing the blame game, and be a way for you to constructively work on your marriage.

5. Take time for each other. Make dating a regular part of your marriage. When kids come along, you especially need to make time for being alone with each other. Making dating a priority, will go a long way in strengthening your relationship. It will also help keep the romance going.

6. Set aside time to talk to each other. This should be done at least once a week. Talking about what is going on in your life, what you want to work on, what your goals are, potential problems and how to solve them, and any concerns about kids, money, sex, work, or anything else you think you need to talk about. This is not to be the focus of your date night, but should be at a different time. Keep date night a date, and communication a separate time. Be honest and listen well to your spouse.

7. Make love. Making sex a regular part of your marriage is important. When your sex life falters, you are probably going to notice other areas not doing very well either. Keeping your sex life alive and thriving will help keep you close to each other, physically and emotionally. If time is a problem, schedule time. If kids are a problem, get a babysitter for a couple of hours. Making time give to each other in this way will help you in all other areas.

Tips & Warnings

• Making your marriage a priority will be what keeps you together. Working together, being honest, and not playing the blame game will help you work well together.

• You will want to keep on top of new things that arise in your marriage, and address all concerns you have. Talking and listening well are the keys to good communication.

• Don't bring up the past. If something has already been dealt with. Leave it in the past.

• Don't be overly sensitive. Be willing to talk about any concerns, and try not to get over-emotional, or take things personally.

• Don't blame your spouse for all of your problems. Take responsibility for your part and work together to fix yourproblems.