Four Essential Goals to Strengthen Your Marriage for a Lifetime

National Marriage Week began on Friday and will continue through Valentine’s Day. This week aims to shift the societal narrative surrounding marriage, emphasizing celebration over negativity. In a culture that often trivializes marriage, highlighting its value is crucial.

Research suggests that while many individuals aspire to marriage, they also harbor concerns about its longevity. The perception that marriage is challenging prevails, often due to societal messaging. This concern contributes to a growing reluctance to commit. In 1980, a remarkable 90% of men aged 35 were married, yet recent data from the Institute for Family Studies reveals this figure has plummeted to a mere 60%.

Despite these statistics, the longing for love remains. People desire lasting connections, family bonds, and the comfort of a healthy home. The question arises: how can we cultivate such environments?

As stress, anxiety, and division increasingly pervade American life, the need for positivity and hope becomes more pressing. The quality of our home life profoundly impacts every aspect of our lives, from our professional endeavors to our mental health.

A stable, loving marriage fosters not only individual well-being but also enriches families, workplaces, and communities. Healthy marriages create supportive ecosystems, transforming families into sources of joy and strength. In doing so, they contribute to a society that is healthier and more equipped to navigate challenges.

Arlene Pellicane, a spokesperson for National Marriage Week, has recently published a book directly addressing these concerns. Her new release, titled “Making Marriage Easier; How To Love and Like Your Spouse For Life,” encourages couples to prioritize four intentional goals. By implementing positive and practical steps, couples can cultivate the fulfilling relationships they seek.

What are the four goals that can propel a marriage toward happiness?

Define Shared Objectives

The first crucial step involves setting shared goals as a couple. Consider what you prioritize together. Do you make attending church on Sundays a tradition? Are you establishing boundaries around friendships with the opposite sex? Perhaps you aim to gather for family dinners each evening. Clear priorities and boundaries will strengthen your connection.

Emphasize Gratitude and Appreciation

Fostering a culture of gratitude in your relationship can have profound effects. Be vocal about your appreciation for each other. Regularly expressing what you value in your partner will make them feel cherished. Every partner yearns for recognition and validation.

Shift Your Mindset

When you focus on serving each other rather than asking what the other can do for you, your relationship transforms. Thoughtful gestures, no matter how small, deepen your bond. When partners prioritize each other’s needs, they enhance their mutual respect and connection.

Rediscover Joy and Fun

Remember the joy that initially brought you together. Laughter and shared experiences are the cornerstones of a healthy marriage. Avoid letting the years sap your playfulness. Engaging in simple activities, such as preparing heart-shaped pancakes or exploring a new hobby like painting, can rekindle your connection. Couples often find that laughter is absent from their relationships, particularly during challenging times.

Marriage is a rewarding venture that requires ongoing effort. Every couple faces challenges, but envisioning a nation filled with stronger marriages can be transformative. In such homes, children feel secure, confident that their parents are committed to one another.

According to a study conducted by economists David G. Blanchflower and Andrew J. Oswald, having gainful employment correlates with a 50% increase in happiness, while securing above-average income boosts happiness by 88%. Yet, the most significant influence on happiness? Marriage, which has been found to increase happiness by an astounding 151% compared to remaining single.

Building Stronger Communities Together

The benefits of strong, happy marriages extend beyond couples; they reverberate throughout cities and communities. Numerous studies reveal that stable families contribute to lower crime rates and fewer troubled teens. Communities with strong family structures generally experience diminished incarceration rates.

Who wouldn’t desire a thriving and supportive community?