No marriage is perfect. It is important to realize that everyone has their ups and downs. Real relationships are moments of happiness and connection speckled with tough times that require patience and understanding. However, there are some big damaging actions that we see that end routinely up in damaging marriages. Here are just a few things that you should avoid to keep your marriage healthy and functional.
You Stop Talking
Communicating is the foundation of any relationship. No matter if you communicate a negative or positive feeling, feeling open to talking about it all is what makes a marriage strong. Silence between spouses is often much more damaging than words, especially in the long term. If you feel a distance with your significant other, sit down and talk. You would be surprised how much healing can happen when you sit down face-to-face and chat.
You Criticize Each Other
Some people think it is funny to take small jabs at each other. However, these little cuts can cause lasting damage to your relationship. Even a little remark here or there can have a negative impact on your spouse’s self-esteem. When you love someone, you should want to build them up, not tear them down.
You Don’t Acknowledge the Good Things
A simple “thank you” goes a long way to make your significant other feel loved and appreciated. When you notice that the house has been cleaned, the trash is taken out, or how hard your spouse is working, tell them you notice it. Let them know how much you appreciate them and their hard work. Acknowledging the positive is one way to get your relationship to a more positive place.
Family Mediation
Even working on these small things can make a world of difference. Revive your marriage and break damaging patterns. Contact West Coast Family Mediation today for guidance to transform your relationship into a thriving, fulfilling partnership.