Helpful tips for a successful marriage

Marriage is a beautiful union ordained by God. Almost every woman is looking forward for that special day when they will be joined in holy matrimony with the love of their lives. And most men are also looking forward to spend the rest of their lives with the woman of their dream. Many people believe that once they find their soul mate for life, their marriage will be great and therefore have high expectation of that marriage. But even though you find and marry your soul mate you still have to work on your marriage in order for it to be successful.  So here are some tips for a successful marriage.

1. Put God first-  Let God be the head of your marriage and he will lead you in the right direction.

2. Pray together-  Pray and read the bible together, this will draw you close to God and each other. 

3. Be respectful to each other-  When you lose respect for each other there will be problems in your marriage.  The disrespected spouse may feel demeaned which may lead to depression and other emotional issues.  Show respect to each other when in public and at home. 

4. Make decision together-  Both spouses should contribute to all important decision being made within the relationship such as financial, social or moral.

5.  Give gifts-  To show appreciation for each other, give gifts, cards, a hug, kiss, even a pleasant stare/smile occasionally. This will help keep the sparks alive in your marriage.

6. Never yell at each other-  Shouting at your spouse in an angry manner may cause you to say hurtful things that you didn’t mean to say and will never resolve any issue.  

7. Avoid Arguments-  If one of you has to win an argument, let it be your spouse. 

8. Give constructive criticism if needed-  Sometimes you may not like a particular behavior or attitude from your spouse and would like to talk to him/her about it. Do so in a nice, caring and loving manner.  

9. Leave the past in the past-  Never bring up the past mistakes that your spouse made. Try to forgive and move on. 

10. Forgive-  Be ready and willing to forgive each other when someone blunders. 

11. Give compliments-  Flatter each other with kind words at least once a day.

12. Resolve arguments before going to bed-  Never go to sleep angry and with an unsettled argument.