Marriage Education is for You. Yes, You. 

You’re married. You’re reasonably happy. You feel like you’ve got a handle on this whole relationship thing. So, why should you go to a relationship education class? Isn’t that for people who are having trouble with their marriage? Well, yes and no. Marriage education definitely helps couples who are having a hard time. But it also has a lot of benefits for happy couples too.  

Research has taught us that the happiest of couples invest at least 6 hours per year in some sort of marriage education or enhancement. This could be a one night class on communication, a weekend retreat for couples, or a marriage education course that covers a variety of topics like problem-solving, family finances, or enhancing intimacy. These couples report higher levels of satisfaction in their relationship than couples who don’t actively engage in these types of marriage strengthening activities.  

Here in Utah, there are plenty of options for free marriage education courses and activities. You can find a course near you on our Classes and Events page or check out The Marriage Mechanic online mini-lessons. These free lessons let you pick and choose which topics to learn about and were developed by the Child and Family Studies Department at Weber State University.  

Your marriage is what you make of it, so invest a little extra time in making it amazing with marriage education! 

The Grass is Greener Where You Water It 

Have you ever found yourself looking at other people’s relationships and thinking, “Wow. I want what they have”? Do you compare your marriage to that couple down the street that goes on weekly date nights to fancy restaurants and takes exotic vacations together? Or maybe you envy those newlyweds who can’t keep their hands off each other? Relationship envy is real. It’s easy to look over the fence at someone else’s lush green grass and feel awful about your own yard with its dry spots and weeds.  

So, what are you going to do about it? How about finding ways to make your own relationship better? Invest a little time and effort into caring for your own lawn and you’ll be surprised at how much can change for the better. Start with these small things and watch your relationship bloom: 

• Make it a point to give your partner a hug and kiss every time you leave each other no matter how rushed you might be. Take a few extra seconds to hold each other as you say goodbye.  
• Express appreciation to your partner when they do something positive or helpful. “Thank you so much for taking out the trash” can really go a long way. It tells your partner that you see them and you recognize their contributions.  
• Write a love note. Yes, a love note. Just like when you first fell in love. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, wordy, or elegant. “I love your laugh” written on a sticky note with a little heart or smiley face will suffice.  

Doing small things often brings big rewards in relationships. As Dr. John Gottman says, “It’s the small things done often that make the biggest difference in relationships.” So, stop staring longingly at the green grass on the other side of the fence. Break out the garden hose and start watering the grass in your own backyard.