10 Ways to Have a Vibrant Marriage

Concerned about the marriage relationship? Why settle for mediocre when there’s an option for “vibrant?” Vibrant is a key word when it’s a marriage partnership.

 Most of us will move heaven and earth to upgrade to a 42-inch, high-definition, flat-screen, LCD television. We go for broke with top of the line transportation, or computer equipment. God forbid we go another month without the best reception, cleanest display, and up-to-the-moment 4-G capabilities on our hand-held mobile device, but take measures to fine-tune our marriage? Now hold on a minute there? Let’s not get carried away? What’s the rush here? I’m a busy guy. We’re on a budget you know…

Well, let’s think about it. Marriage is the number-one, primary relationship in your life. Your wife is the same woman who, just a few years ago, could stop your heart cold at 50 paces with little more than the bat of an eye. This marriage is the foundation of your home, the lynchpin in your parenting, the most essential pass/fail guarantee in life across the board, and the primary explanation as to why you’re happy or sad on any given day, period.

 And some of us are saying we’re Okay with mediocre?

1. Make a decision and be deliberate:

   We tend to do what we want to do. So decide to work on your marriage. Sign a contract with yourself, or with your wife, if that helps, but avoid being haphazard regarding this kind of commitment.

2. Tell your wife you want nothing less than the best marriage possible:

   Marriage communication makes all the difference. You made the decision, now speak it out loud. Say it with flowers, or another meaningful gift. There’s power in putting such a commitment into words.

3. Understand that it’s not all about you:

   Actively think about marriage as a partnership, and then make sure that you don’t stop at 50% when it comes to giving. The best way to ensure you are loved eloquently is to love your wife with abandon first. Family leadership starts here.

4. Tape this list on your bathroom mirror and commit to it every day:

   - I love my wife

   - I will work to bring my wife joy today

   - I promise to build her up

   - I will be an active listener in my marriage today

   - I can’t wait to do something creative for my wife today!

5. Call your wife during the day and tell her you love her:

   We tend to believe things that are repeated consistently. Take the time to tell your wife how wonderful it is to be married to her—and it will be that wonderful to be married to her.

6. Make your relationship with your wife your first priority:

   It’s not about the kids; it’s about the family into which the kids are born. Children are happier when their parents are happy. Finances are better when a married couple communicates. People are physically healthier when they are in healthy relationships, especially healthy family relationships. It’s about the marriage—period!

7. Take turns coordinating one fun couple’s activity every week:

   When both partners are active in terms of investing in the relationship, vibrancy is a natural by-product.

8. Schedule “us time” at least once a week, preferably twice:

   The fact is that you will be more productive at work if you’re happy at home. Your volunteer work will be more effective if you don’t blow off each other in order to support the PTA or your church. Nurture the core of the family, and the family can reach out from that strength.

9. Never take one another for granted!

   This is the most common reason for insipid, mediocre marriages. People just drift apart due to lack of effort. Your marriage relationship is more important than ANYTHING ELSE in which you’re involved. Invest in one another.

10. Go to school:

    You’ve heard of the routine physical for your body, or the 12,000 mile service on your car, or how about the annual “well-visit” you schedule for the dog and the cat? Well, get some essential maintenance done on the marriage. Take a seminar, book a session with a counselor, or attend a couple’s retreat through your church. Be a step ahead. Keep the relationship cutting edge. Get vibrant already!

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