Happy Hump Day!
Today I thought it would be fun to link up with Shay and Erika for their Workin' it Wednesday series.
Today's topic is: How do we work on our marriage?
I've been married for 8 1/2 years and while I'm no expert on the topic, this is what works for us. That being said, marriage is hard work! Here's what helps us keep our marriage strong.
Regular date nights
Date nights have always been important to us. I wish I could say we always made them a priority but when we had little tiny babies, we just didn't. We would still get out here and there but not nearly enough. I would say this past year we really started realizing the importance of us getting some alone time and have made a conscious effort. Even if we don't go out, we make sure to have a regular date night at home. Usually we put the kids to bed semi-early on a Friday or Saturday and we'll cook dinner or order out and enjoy our night together.
Have each other's back
I learned a long time ago that it's not the best idea to go around trash talking your husband. Sure, there are times we fight or get annoyed with each other and I may share that with people, or I may not, but for the most part, I try not to.
Be a team
Me and Rick are a team and I love that. We are in this wild life together and I know either of us wouldn't have it any other way. We try our best to keep a united front, especially when it comes to the kids and I find that when we do that, we are stronger.
Don't sweat the small stuff
Another thing I learned a while back is to not sweat the small stuff. This means that if I asked Rick to empty the dishwasher and it's been a couple hours, instead of getting annoyed because he didn't do it right when I wanted him to, I just let it be. Or when he leaves his clothes on the floor every.single.day. Oh and I'm not perfect either, I know he just lets plenty of things roll off his back when it comes to my quirks and imperfections.
Intimacy & Affection
Ok, I'm not about to dish out our personal private life but all I'm going to say is that intimacy is a huge part of keeping a marriage strong. Affection too. We're not that couple that's all over each other but we do make sure to show one another affection on a daily basis. A kiss here and a hug there can go a long way with feeling more connected. You should always want and desire your partner and I think with that comes a stronger relationship.
Please and Thank yous
We really try to treat each other with respect at all times, sure there are times when that doesn't happen (cue me flipping out for some random reason LOL) but I can tell you that when we are respectful of each other and ask nicely for the other to do things and show our appreciation, it really means a lot and makes us feel that much stronger as a couple.
Well that was fun! And writing this all out is a great reminder for me to keep up on all these things!
Don't forget to link up tomorrow with us for new monthly Girl Chat series!! This month we're talking all about your Valentine's Day plans
