7 Ways to Improve Your Marriage Daily
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7 Ways to Improve Your Marriage Daily
Marriage is hard work, we all know this. I’ve said it before because it is true. Marriage is definitely not an easy thing. But it is such a rewarding thing that brings me a lot of joy.
The fact my marriage brings me so much joy (and I hope yours does too!) is something I don’t think is talked about nearly enough. It is work, but it is absolutely amazing at the same time.
Life and marriage aren’t about the big things. It’s about the little things that we can do for each other, to show how much we care, or to simply make each other smile. I find these things not only fun, but I love going about them with intention.
Here are my favorite 7 Ways to Improve Your Marriage Daily!
Cuddle
Cuddles are just good for the soul. Wrapping your arms around each other and just taking a moment to forget about everything else except being together in that moment is the best feeling ever.
Life gets busy, as we all know. And unfortunately, simple things like cuddles and physical touch can become really easy to ignore. If physical touch is your love language, this can really hurt.
The big thing here is to be intentional about it. It isn’t just a quick hug or pat on the back and keep going. It is about completely stopping to focus on each other and being in that moment. This doesn’t mean it needs to be long or drawn out. The key here is going at it with intention and focus, not allowing ourselves to be distracted in that moment. When was the last time you took that time and were intentional about it?
Look Into Each Other’s Eyes
There is nothing better than when I look into Nathan’s eyes and I am the sole focus. There is a smile and sparkle I see in his eyes, and I love when they’re just for me. When was the last time you made it a point to really look into your husband’s eyes?
It’s a choice to stop and really intentionally take the time to look into each other’s eyes. I think far too often we use technology and distractions as excuses not to do things like this. But distractions are everywhere. The question is, are you willing to say no to distractions, or do you use them as an excuse?
Have a Conversation
When was the last time you and your husband just sat down and had a conversation? What to do for dinner or the kid’s activities for the week, or bills don’t count either. We talk to each other throughout the day, I know. I talk to Nathan about whatever needs taken care of just as much as any other couple do.
But when was the last time y’all had a real conversation? Conversations that are focused on each other, no distractions, just listening to each other and learning something new or profound about each other. My guess is, you may be struggling to remember the last time this happened.
I say you may be struggling to remember the last time because I’ve been there many, many times. It is far too easy to get distracted by the day to day stuff, and ignore the need for a real conversation.
Acknowledge the Difficulties the Other is Facing
We all go through things, and it isn’t always something that affects the other person. Because of that, it can be really easy to feel like you’re facing it alone. Marriage is supposed to mean that you don’t have to face tough things alone, because you’re sharing it with your husband, and he’s sharing things with you as well.
Actively listening to each other and acknowledging the struggle that each of you may be facing is a big deal. Because you’re showing your husband that you’re there for him, you hear his struggles, and you can empathize and offer support. He should be doing the same thing for you.
There is no “I” in marriage. It is a team sport, so it is essential to be there for each other, and make sure that neither of you face difficult times alone.
Ask “Is There Anything I Can Do For You?”
This is seriously one of the most powerful things you and your husband can ask each other! It is such a simple question, yet it shows so much love and support for each other. It is one of my favorite questions.
It doesn’t have to be a huge need either. I’m short, like shrinking under 5 feet tall as I get older. Reaching the top shelves in my kitchen is considered dangerous for me to attempt. When Nathan knows I’m planning a meal or to work on developing a new recipe while he’s at work, he’ll ask me what I need to make it. Then he’ll get out all the pans, pantry ingredients, and whatever else I need before he goes to work.
Sometimes a need can be as simple as that, or even just a hug. I have commented several times about how few hugs I’ve had lately because time just doesn’t allow me to see Nathan for more than a few minutes at a time. Summer is the worst for this, so I find myself asking for extra hugs when I need them.
Asking this question reminds each of us that we’re in this together and are willing to step up and help when needed. It is one of the easiest ways to make each other feel loved and supported. This is easily my favorite tip in the 7 Ways to Improve Your Marriage Daily.
Be Honest About How You’re Feeling
Being honest builds trust, and shows that you respect each other. This means both the good and the bad.
If you’re feeling exhausted or overwhelmed for whatever reason, tell him!
If you’re happy, express gratitude and appreciation, or simply say thank you for something your husband did for you.
Remember that y’all signed up for better and for worse when you got married. That means sharing both the good and the bad. Effective communication means talking about the things that are meaningful in your lives.
Make Each Other Smile
Making each other smile just makes you feel good! Why wouldn’t you want more of that in your life? I know I do! Making each other smile brings both of us joy, and helps to ward off stress.
This can be as simple as making your husband coffee in the morning, telling a funny joke, or even a random extra spontaneous hug. Making each other smile is one of the most powerful ways to build a stronger marriage.
Nathan will randomly lick my forehead when we’re hugging, and it makes me squirm. Because, seriously, who licks someone’s head? I know, it’s totally weird, but it makes me laugh, just because it’s so random. Then he tells me that I have a flavor. He does it just to make me laugh, and I love that.
Another favorite is whoever goes to the grocery store will randomly pick up something that isn’t on the list that we know the other loves. Nathan picked up gummy worms, for example, last week. Didn’t say a word, just picked them up and let me find them when he came home and I was unloading the bag to put it all away. It is so simple, yet thoughtful and really made me smile.
Making each other smile doesn’t need to be some giant production. Simplicity is key, in my opinion. But taking the time, especially when it is unexpected, is something that isn’t easy to forget because it makes you feel so good.
7 Ways to Improve Your Marriage Daily Notes
One of my favorite aspects of this list is that it isn’t overly complicated. Starting with these simple daily actions can make a huge difference in not only building a stronger marriage, but contribute to your overall happiness.
7 Ways to Improve Your Marriage Daily Discussion
Do you and your husband practice these habits daily? Is there a place where you can improve on this list, or something you want to add that you do? If these 7 Ways to Improve Your Marriage Daily have helped you, let me know your thoughts in the comments!
10 Comments
Nikki Wilder
Hi Erica, What a fantastic post! It’s so full of useful information. It was a great reminder of what’s so often overlooked in my busy world. I can’t wait to spend more time and utilize the info you have given me. I’m just over three of the most stressful weeks since we’ve been together and often struggled to focus on us. It’s very good advice to pay attention and enjoy each other!
The Homemaking Wife
I’m so glad you found my advice useful, Nikki!
Kristy Bullard
Great advice! Sometimes it’s the simplest things that make the biggest difference in a marriage.
The Homemaking Wife
I completely agree, Kristy! It is often the simple things that are the most easily ignored as well, and hopefully this helps remind couples to not take those for granted.
Lyosha
Wonderful tips. I think over time many couples tend to become more and more practical and less romantic. Holding hands, hugging (really hugging not greeting hugs), looking at each other’s eyes often escapes the attention. I also think offering your time and effort is less obvious idea yet I do believe it might work wonders, I should use it more. Being vocal about emotions, feelings and thoughts should also be practiced very often, be a routine to avoid taking it personally and hence wrong
The Homemaking Wife
It really is easy (especially the longer you’ve been married) to become more practical and less romantic. Life has this funny habit of getting in the way so often, and it is easy to allow it to happen.
Melanie
Love this post as I agree that there are always ways that you can improve your marriage. Love the sound of making more smiles and plenty of cuddles xx
The Homemaking Wife
Thanks, Melanie! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed these tips.
Riyah Speaks
I’m not married (yet), but we believe that making sure both of us are smiling and happy every day is super important to the relationship. Love these tips!
The Homemaking Wife
I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed these tips, Riyah! You’ll make an amazing wife when the time comes, I know that.