Marriage tips and advice from real couples:
Marriage Tip #1
Define it.
Lisa Preecs from Arizona has been married 17 years and believes the most important thing for couples is to understand the definition of commitment. "It allows you to make mistakes and learn and
grow in a healthy way," she says. "If you have the security of knowing that your spouse will always be there, then you as a couple can handle anything."
Marriage Tip #2
Strategize.
Remember that you and your spouse are on the same team and share a common goal. Cory and Lissie Huff of Oregon dedicate 30 minutes each Sunday for family counsel. "We talk about our plans for the
week, how we can help each other, any business that needs to be discussed," says Cory. "Then we share at least three things we like about each other. It's an integral part of our marriage."
Marriage Tip #3
Keep your friends close.
Surrounding yourself with other happily married people can be a positive thing for a marriage according to Jill Nussel of Indiana. "Be supportive of friends going through tough times but don't let
other people's toxic relationships hurt yours," she advises. Ace McKay and his wife, Bethany, also of Indiana, agree. "We celebrate victories with our friends," says Ace. "And when they go through
life changing issues, my wife and I use that as a time to talk about what we would do if that happened to us."
Marriage Tip #4
Keep it up.
Susie and Mike Shina knew each other only two months before making the nuptial leap during a sunset ceremony in Florida. After 11 years and two children, Susie has this advice to offer couples:
"Take good care of yourself - don't pull a bait and switch. Remember why your husband [or wife] married you in the first place."
Marriage Tip #5
Point fingers - at yourself.
Men and women have a tendency to nitpick the tiniest imperfections in their partner. Doing so can be very telling of your own personality. Says Elizabeth Harper, "My husband and I have discovered
that what we dislike in the other is usually something that needs to be healed within ourselves," she says. "So when I see something in him that annoys me I look within myself to see what it is
reflecting in me and what I can do about it."
Marriage Tip #6
Play second string.
Susan Kobes, an artist from Florida has been married to her husband, Tom, for 46 years and says their secret is to always put the other's needs first. "If we both put all our energy into making the
other spouse happy, the love and support comes back tenfold," she shares. She adds, "At 63, we are more in love than ever, make love more than most 30-somethings, and are enjoying the best years of
our lives growing old together." Can't argue with that!
