How can anyone establish a true connection, a real bond if they’re not able to communicate? Communication consists of being able to share your thoughts and feelings while also listening

to your spouse’s point of view and respecting it. If you feel like you and your partner struggle in this area, there’s nothing wrong with going to counseling. Some studies

indicate that going to a reputable counselor increases the chances of your marriage surviving by as much as 30 percent. We’ll take those odds.

Intimacy is not just about sex, although sex is certainly a foundation part of a marital relationship. Just think about it. When you sign on to be married, a part

of what you’re declaring is that your spouse is the ONLY person you will have sex with for the rest of your life. So yes, being intentional about having a

healthy sex life is crucial. But there’s so much more to intimacy than that. Intimacy is also about establishing---and maintaining---a strong spiritual and emotional connection too. Have coffee dates where

you can “check in” with one another. Hold hands while watching a movie or talking a walk after dinner. Talk about what you want out of life and how you

can support each other in reaching certain goals. All of these things help to develop true and lasting intimacy.

Grey divorce (divorce among older people after several years of marriage) are certainly on the rise. A part of it is because once the kids are out of the house and

schedules start to slow down, many husbands and wives look at each other and realize they are not who they once were; that they don’t really know each other at all.

Never assume that just because you share a bed with someone that you don’t need to work at connecting with them on a consistent basis. Many people live in the

same house, but are more like strangers than anything else. Unfortunately.

This is something that people will debate until the end of time. While some relationship experts and couples feel that kids should take top rank in the home, others believe that a

marriage should always come first. Our vote is for the latter. When the parents are happy and at peace, the children will be fine. When the kids come first, well…you

significantly decrease the chances of that being the case. When the two of you said “I do”, you signed on to make each other a TOP PRIORITY. Don’t allow anything

or anyone to keep that from being the case. In other words, never be too busy for your marriage. It’s always going to be worth your time, efforts and energy.

Being married doesn’t take away your individuality. In some ways, it should only help you to grow in your identity and purpose. But a healthy marriage does consist of two

people who “walk in agreement”, who live in harmony. One example of this is they share the same values and have similar visions for how they see their family and

their future. A vision board for your relationship is something to consider having. Create one annually so that you can have a clear idea of what you want

to accomplish together. It’s a great way to keep your marriage going strong for many, many years to come.