Page 54 - San Diego Woman Anna Adams

Nurturing

a Successful

Marriage

By C.F Illingworth

Photos Courtesy of C.F Illingworth

Let your partner sleep just isn’t enough money to
in. go around. That’s the time
Have a date night on a when you both need to stay
specific night every week. close emotionally.
(Yes, you read that correct- Be sure to recognize
ly, EVERY WEEK). your partner’s achieve-
Be helpful. I don’t ments.
mean to be in their face, Ask your spouse about
but things like holding the their work, and REALLY
end of a plank if they are listen to them. We found
working on a project or that listening means paying
asking if you can spread the attention during the con-
My wife and I have must not let things fester. mulch around if they are versation. Don’t be looking
been married for a long Don’t make it your way planting a shrub would be a at your phone.
time, and we have found all the time. Be the gallant way to show you want to be Engage your partner
that treating each other one in the relationship. supportive. while they are talking. Body
with respect goes a long Let your partner have Touch each other in an language is important in
way for a satisfying and his / her way occasionally affectionate way for no rea- your relationship. Nodding
fun marriage. Commit- without a fuss. son. Come up behind them and facing them while they
ment is a large element of Let him / her win an and touch their shoulders are talking is an important
our relationship, but along argument. Trust me, guys, or their waist. part of your togetherness.
with that is adoration and if she wins, you also win. Express interest in Hugging is important,
loyalty to one another. Sub- Take some classes his or her thoughts and really, really important.
sequent ways to make your together - the type of class feelings. Make eye contact whenever
marriage meaningful and doesn’t matter. We have Disagree civilly. When you can. You can say a lot
rewarding are: taken Spanish and comput- arguing, express your views with your eyes.
Say “I love you” ran- er classes together. and listen to your partner’s I can’t say this enough:
domly throughout the day; Say “thank you” and ac- views - then find a solu- DON’T talk on your phone
after all, you don’t need a knowledge the little things tion you both can accept. when you’re having dinner,
special reason to express your partner does. Marriage is a give-and-take or you will distance your-
your love for your life Share your goals and relationship. Remember, self from your loved one.
partner. dreams with one another. tackle the problem not your Give your partner
Give encouraging There are times when we loved one. some alone time when
words of affirmation. Hold talk for hours, just telling When it comes to they need it.
hands in public. Yes, act each other about our hopes money, you both must Say “Thank You” when
like teenagers. and aspirations. communicate. Don’t let your spouse does some-
Quickly apologize after Tell your partner that money control your rela- thing for you. When they
making a mistake. You he/she is “hot”. tionship. Sometimes, there make you something, let

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