Marriage is the foundation of the family, and the family is the foundation of society. When we strengthen marriages, we also strengthen families, children and communities. More than 90 percent of Americans will choose to marry.
According to Linda Waite and Maggie Gallagher in their book, The Case for Marriage: Why Married People Are Happier, Healthier, and Better Off Financially, marriage is important to most Americans. Married Americans live longer, maintain better health, earn more money, are happier and have happier children who do better in school. Married couples live happier and healthier lives than those who are single. Married people also do better financially than single people, not because financially successful people get married, but because married people who behave as true financial partners do better financially. A healthy marriage promotes financial success.
Larry Burkett, financial author, said, “Money is either the best or the worst area of communication in our marriages. After years as a financial counselor and working with marriage counselors, I know that money and money fights are the number one cause of divorce, not to mention the thing we fight about the most.”
A recent Washington County study showed that 93 percent of marriages list financial issues as a major conflict. Developing and maintaining a reasonable budget can help alleviate this conflict.
Consider these additional tips to strengthen your marriage.
- Show love and respect for each other. Couples can prevent contempt and criticism from entering their relationship by valuing one another and showing kindness.
- Celebrate your wedding anniversary with enthusiasm. Also celebrate anniversaries of family and friends.
- Teach youth about strong marriages and the importance of being a team. Children need strong role models, and having happily married parents is an excellent example for them. One husband illustrated his love for his wife by giving her a rose bush for each wedding anniversary. They had a beautiful rose garden after 35 years of marriage.
- Get advice from those who have successful marriages. Exchange tips and ideas with others.
- Be each other’s best friend. Be committed to each other. Couples with similar values, interests and characteristics have stronger, more stable marriages.
- Spend time together developing strong marriage skills. Time is essential for successful relationships. In a recent Washington County survey, 62 percent of the individuals responded that more time together would enhance their relationship more than any other element. According to John Gottman, PhD, couples who spend 5 hours together each week maintain successful relationships. Spending quality time together builds healthy communication and deeper friendships.
- Make time for fun, and remember to make time for regular weekly dates. A family that plays together stays together.
By: Carolyn Washburn - May 14, 2007