Relationships take work. They take time, energy, strength, forgiveness, grace, you name it… relationships need attention to flourish. Likely, when you were dating, this came natural – it was easy and you wanted to spend as much time together as possible. You communicated, you learned about one another and you grew closer – close enough to marry each other. Then, life happens. Jobs change, you buy a house, you add little people into your life – changes. The daily grind sets in and you just honestly keep living and going through the motions of your routine. This doesn’t have to be the reality for your marriage. Here are 5 practical ways to invest in your marriage:
Create a Budget Together
Since we are using the word “invest”, I figure why not start with a budget. You might be scratching your head right now thinking, how is setting a budget investing in my marriage? Well, the majority of marriages end due to money issues. Don’t let this happen to you. Money issues can easily consume your life and leave you feeling overwhelmed and defeated. By setting a budget, dreaming together, and setting goals, you can make your money work for you and become something that drives your marriage forward and not to screeching halt.
Resources: 5 Principles of Finance in Marriage, How To Survive Money and Marriage and How To Keep Money From Destroying Your Marriage
Communicate with One Another
Invest in your marriage by communicating with one another. This can be through setting a time with each other each day to “check in” and see how the other is doing. I love this for EVERY marriage at least once a day. We tend to “check in” at night after the kids to sleep. Some nights this is a one minute quick talk, others an hour conversation. Another way we communicate is through fun texts throughout the day and/or phone calls. Imagine its 10 or 11am, you are settled in at work, the day is moving and your phone goes off with a text from your spouse. “I love you, I hope your day is going good” or ” I can’t wait to see you tonight”. This is such a great way to just let your spouse know that you are thinking about them.
5 Tips For Better Communication in Marriage and 25 Text Messages For Your Husband
Spend Time Alone
Schedule intentional alone time together (aka SCHEDULE DATE NIGHTS). I cannot “scream” this enough through typing. You need time alone. You need date nights. You need time to connect and turn off the stress of life. I have found that through stressful seasons in our life, we tend to bicker more. But, that “bickering” is the product of the stress not our feelings toward one another. Taking time alone reminds you of who you love and what is important.
5 Ways To Maintain A Thriving Marriage When You Are Exhausted
Pray Together and for Each Other
Learning how to pray with your spouse can sound intimidating and even scary at first. Prayer is a very intimate conversation with God and sharing that between others can often leave us feeling awkward, exposed and vulnerable. However, prayer with your spouse can also be one of the most intimate and rewarding times spent with each other. It can strengthen your marriage and be used to encourage one another. I firmly believe that PRAYER with and for your spouse is one of the best things you can do for your marriage. See any of the posts below for direction or a place to start.
7 Prayers For A Better Marriage, How To For Your Marriage Daily, and How To Pray With Your Spouse
Laugh
I also believe that laughter is the best medicine. Laughter can do so much for your soul and ignite so much joy in your marriage. Laugh often. Remember not to take life too seriously. Do things you love, look back on fun memories, and just have fun. Life is too short. Laugh together.
16 Ideas For A Fun Marriage and 12 Habits For A Happy Marriage