The 3 L's of a Lasting Marriage
Love is the very foundation of good marriage, but it turns out, there are a few other “L” words to consider. Blogger Leigh Pennebaker explains:
Listening: It is so important and helpful to be able to really listen to your partner. When you know someone so well, it's easy to feel like you have them all figured out. Sometimes that's great, but other times it can mean rushing to judge or to make assumptions that might not be true. Striving to really, deeply listen is the cornerstone of communication between my husband and me. It inspires empathy and compassion -- and you can't have too much of those things in a marriage!
Related: 5 Things Super-Happy Couples Do Every Day
Laughing: Don't take things too seriously. My husband has the great gift of being able to introduce levity with kindness whenever things get tense between us. It helps to put things in perspective. When you laugh together it's hard to be angry.
Related: 20 Ways to Spice Up the Next Date Night
Looking: A wonderful thing to do regularly to connect with your spouse is to gaze silently into each other's eyes without speaking for several minutes. It’s such a simple act, but you would be surprised how revelatory and healing it can be. The next time you just can't seem to regain your relationship mojo, try this exercise. It will get you back to a beautiful place before you know it.
And finally, it may not begin with “L,” but saying thank you is key. Don't take even the little things for granted. Let your honey know how much they (and their sweet gestures) mean to you each and every day.
Leigh Pennebaker blogs about her husband, her children, and other myriad topics at Marvelous Kiddo.
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