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#1. Pray Together about Anything, Any Time, at Any Place
Praying together brings you closer together to God and one another. Pray together about anything, anytime, at any place.
An assignment at a marriage seminar was to ask your spouse to share a time when you felt especially close recently. Dutifully I asked Carolyn. She said, “Remember the time we were driving down the road discussing a concern about one of our children. You said you did not know what to do and led us in prayer for wisdom. I really felt especially close to you at that time.” I remembered that occasion. I assure you I did not close my eyes while driving.
We do a lot together that promotes closeness. I took note that this was special, and we now pray together about anything, anytime, at any place.
People who involve God through prayer together in their everyday lives report increasingly closer relationships.
Picture source: www.flickr.com/photos/paullew/12517504814
#2. – Express Affection at the Door Upon Arrivals and Departures
Expressing
affection at the door upon arrivals and departures takes very little
time and some energy that brings big dividends to your relationship. This
demonstration of affection and love only takes moments. The pleasant
memory while you are apart can last for hours mixed with the
anticipation of the return.
There is not a lot of commitment in this world. Commitment in marriage is a major motivator to keep it strong. It’s good for the children to observe as well, for they feel secure.
A few moments of affection at the door can make a whole day go better.
Photo Source:/www.flickr.com/photos/hamedmasoumi/2263962161/
#3. – Say “I Love You” at the End of Each Phone Call or Text
Marriages
can use more expressions of love. It wouldn’t hurt for the world to
hear it as well. End each phone call or text with “I love you,” no
matter who might be listening.
End even a disagreeable conversation, with “I love you.” That means, ”I am still committed to you even though I don’t like you much right now.” “I love you” returns a blessing for an insult.
Love works through the tough times until you like them again.
“I love you” creates a positive atmosphere of purity, respect, gentleness, harmony, and kindness.
Life is good with love.
Source: I Peter 3:1-10
Picture source: www.flickr.com/photos/sevgik/2233606413
#4. “Whatever You Want to Do Together” Spouse Day
This gift is a day together participating with your spouse in whatever they
would like to do. The day may have scheduled events, be spontaneous, or
have elements of both, whatever they prefer. We call this day “A
Carolyn’s Day.”
This can be dangerous. For example, “A Carolyn’s Day” usually includes visiting antique stores. I don’t like, nor usually visit antique stores for they look like piles of stuff I don’t want. Furthermore, they don’t have any written descriptions. I like museums because the objects are described, like “This spoon was used by John Uptight, circa. 1930.” Wow, a spoon used by John Uptight. I may have no idea who John Uptight is, but this is his spoon, not any old spoon in a pile. However, this is Carolyn’s ““Whatever You Want to Do Together Spouse Day,” so away we go.
Really, it is delightful to learn new things about Carolyn’s interests, even antiques, which bring back memories she likes to share.
I think you also will find that this day is anticipated and builds pleasant memories.
Picture source: www.flickr.com/photos/61423903@N06/8084060025
#5. One-a-Day Love Respect
Write a
list of your reasons you love and respect your spouse. You don’t need
to write it on the wall, just begin sharing one item a day from the list
like a vitamin pill for the relationship. Instead of showing the whole
list, why use it all at once, express appreciation, love, respect,
thanks, and how you value them once a day. Do not ask for reciprocity,
just give thanks.
The one-a-day thanks/love/ respect list is usually the first assignment of the initial counseling session. Many begin to turn around their anxiety, depression and marriages in one week.
Make the list and start sharing, see what it does for your relationship.
Picture source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jstar/409405305/
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