72 Point
READ: Huffington Post writer/contributer Kelsey Borreson wrote an amazing piece on 12 things that happy couples do everyday. And since we are talking tonight about secrets to marriage, I thought this would be perfect to share. So here are the 12 things she listed on the Huffington Post that were directly from her Huffington Post Readers:
1. They go in for a nice, long hug. “When my husband gets home from work we hug for a good two to three minutes. It could be right when he walks in or after greeting our son and changing out of his suit. It’ll happen whether we’re upset with each other or not.” - reader Lindsay Herman (QUOTED DIRECTLY FROM HUFFINGTON POST http://bit.ly/2etUPtI)
2. They give each other space. “My wife and I will look at each other meaningfully and nod, both knowing, ‘Okay, now’s the time.’ And she’ll go off and paint, and I’ll go off and pretend to read while I actually watch Netflix. When we return to each other, kids asleep, us both fulfilled from our respective activities, we have this feeling of calm, bliss, and focus that allows us to truly spend time together.” - blogger Elad Nehorai (QUOTED DIRECTLY FROM HUFFINGTON POST http://bit.ly/2etUPtI)
3. They go out of their way for each other without keeping score. “Love is often expressed in the small gestures of kindness. Someone going out in the rain to latch the back gate or get milk for breakfast. Someone getting up with the baby two nights in a row and feeling good about being generous.” - licensed marriage and family therapist Winifred Reilly (QUOTED DIRECTLY FROM HUFFINGTON POST http://bit.ly/2etUPtI)
4. They listen. “Men are naturally problem solvers. When we hear about an issue we are compelled to come up with a suggestion or solution. When a woman vents to you, that’s not always what she’s looking for. She wants you to simply listen and at least make an attempt to understand. She doesn’t want you to give her the answer, but the support she needs to figure it out on her own.” - relationship blogger James Michael Sama (QUOTED DIRECTLY FROM HUFFINGTON POST http://bit.ly/2etUPtI)
5. They act silly together. “We do improv bits together. We make little jokes out of anything. We have crazy conversations about ridiculous topics because the outcomes are so funny. Sharing that lightheartedness, not taking ourselves too seriously, relieving the stress of the day, just enjoying each other’s company.” - reader C. Irene Reichert (QUOTED DIRECTLY FROM HUFFINGTON POST http://bit.ly/2etUPtI)
6. But they also get serious when need be. “We have ‘vulnerable time’ before bed. We get to confess whatever we need to for this moment and the other person is only allowed to say ‘I love you,’ ‘I’m sorry’ and ‘I forgive you.’ It’s freed up so much hurt and is quite humbling.” - reader Kristina Frantz (QUOTED DIRECTLY FROM HUFFINGTON POST http://bit.ly/2etUPtI)
7. They make a point to check in throughout the day. “My husband and I have pretty crazy lives. We don’t get nearly enough time in the same room together. So we text. Constantly. Funny photos of work, the kids, and yeah, lots of Bitmojis. It’s a way to be present in each other’s days even when the Bay Bridge separates us.” - marriage blogger Meg Conley (QUOTED DIRECTLY FROM HUFFINGTON POST http://bit.ly/2etUPtI)
8. They remind each other that love — and staying in love — is a choice. “Every day we tell each other the reason we are choosing our partner today. Today my husband said, ‘I choose you because you are an amazing mother to our daughter.’” - reader Lauren Ashley Breslaw Nichols (QUOTED DIRECTLY FROM HUFFINGTON POST http://bit.ly/2etUPtI)
9. They find ways to brighten their partner’s day. “My husband makes me tea every morning and brings it to me while I’m putting my makeup on. Or if I’m still in bed on the weekends, he will bring it in a thermal cup and put it on my nightstand. It’s the little things.” - reader Felicia Sinopoli Goldstein (QUOTED DIRECTLY FROM HUFFINGTON POST http://bit.ly/2etUPtI)
10. They create their own daily rituals. “My husband and I play Jeopardy most days. We keep score and all and when it doesn’t happen, a small piece is missing from the day.” - reader Brittany Marie (QUOTED DIRECTLY FROM HUFFINGTON POST http://bit.ly/2etUPtI)
11. They cuddle. “My partner sets his alarm for fifteen minutes earlier than he needs to get up, and we cuddle for every one of those fifteen minutes. It’s a great way to connect before our days start and we have to go our separate ways.” - reader Melissa Clark (QUOTED DIRECTLY FROM HUFFINGTON POST http://bit.ly/2etUPtI)
12. They slow down together. “My husband and I have a morning ritual of a cup of coffee and toast out on the patio. We chat and make plans for the garden, joke about what our dog Lucy is thinking and enjoying whatever weather the day brings.” - reader Donna Griffin-Murphy (QUOTED DIRECTLY FROM HUFFINGTON POST http://bit.ly/2etUPtI)
SOURCE: Huffington Post http://bit.ly/2etUPtI
And also, the Huffington Post had a contributor Tammy Nelson write about 7 questions that will save your marriage. She wrote such an amazing article that I really encourage you to read, especially if you are having troubles in your marriage! Here are the seven questions (and a bonus), and the full article is below as well:
Here are the Seven Questions:
What is one thing you have liked about being married to me?
What do you hope to learn from me in the future?
How do you long to be a better person and how can I help?
What is one way I can help you be more creative?
What is one thing you like and value about me as a person?
What is one thing you are grateful for?
What is one thing you think I long for?
BONUS QUESTION: What is one thing you want to create in our marriage going forward?
SOURCE: Huffington Post http://bit.ly/2iMmR4X