10 Valentines Day Tips for Spouses Who Want to Improve Their Marriage

The best and most valuable gifts are often not material ones. While many spouses focus on Valentine's Day gifts such as jewelry or candy, spouses who are willing to invest the time and energy can give one of the most precious gifts possible-an improved, satisfying marriage.

Long after the romantic card is tucked away and the box of candy is empty, this marriage-enriching gift will still be appreciated and enjoyed. Follow these ten steps to give yourself and your spouse an unforgettable Valentine's Day gift:

1. Direct your energy into becoming the kind of marriage partner you'd like to have. It's easy to criticize a spouse for not being perfect while we overlook our own imperfections.

2. Focus on how you need to change in order to be a better partner. The only person you can ultimately change is yourself.

3. Accept responsibility for your own actions. You take a giant leap forward in growth the day you can say, "I'm sorry for my actions" instead of rationalizing and offering excuses.

4. Minimize blame and resentment. They are toxic and can poison your marriage and your life.

5. Practice forgiveness, not to let your partner off the hook, but because you want to move forward without carrying the weight of past hurts.

6. Break your marriage goals down into small steps and begin taking action. It'll be easier to continue moving forward when you start seeing progress.

7. Adopt the philosophy expressed in the Serenity Prayer: "God, grant me serenity to accept what I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference."

8. Focus on what you can do and give instead of keeping tabs about who is doing the most or making the greatest effort in your marriage.

9. Strive for balance in your own life between family, friends, work, sports, hobbies, recreation, and other interests. Then you won't be as likely to obsess about the imperfections in your partner.

10. Reward and praise yourself often for hanging in there in a challenging situation. You deserve it!

Nancy J. Wasson, Ph.D., is co-author of Keep Your Marriage: What to Do When Your Spouse Says "I don't love you anymore!" This e-book is available at http://www.KeepYourMarriage.com, where you can also sign up for the free Keep Your Marriage Internet Magazine. Nancy can be contacted at Nancy@KeepYourMarriage.com.

---

Wedding Colors

Is it to be a summer wedding or winter wedding?... Read More

Whats in a Greek Wedding?

The wedding service in the Greek Orthodox faith is an... Read More

?ello? ?ello? ?ello? Is that the Wedding, then?

You hear them at champagne-flowing parties. You hear them in... Read More

Top Wedding Fitness Questions (and their answers)

As a Personal Trainer for brides-to-be, I often get asked... Read More

New Trends for Wedding Favors 2005

Wedding favors have evolved over time. Wedding favors today combine... Read More

Las Vegas Casino Weddings

If you are at all familiar with Las Vegas, you... Read More

Writing Wedding Vows ? Ideas That Will Help You Express What You Truly Feel

More and more, couples are choosing to write their own... Read More

The Brides Greatest Ally

On Friday, 1st May 1835, Mr Charles Dickens, the creator... Read More

Choosing the Perfect Wedding Gown

Selecting a wedding gown is possibly one of the most... Read More

Bridal Jewelry: Fulfilling a Wedding Tradition

'Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.' This is... Read More

Bridal Shower Themes

It is the maid of honor's duty to organize the... Read More

Wedding Day Savings

A little strategizing can go a long way when trying... Read More

Wedding Shower Invitations: An Overview

The purpose of a wedding shower is to celebrate the... Read More

Getting Great Deals on the Wedding Clothes

If you are planning to have a full wedding that... Read More

Belize Honeymoon Resorts

The enchanting Belize honeymoon resorts captivate every visitor through the... Read More

Wedding Dresses - How to Buy Dreamy Wedding Gowns Online

Wedding dresses are literally the icing on the cake on... Read More

Have a Garden Theme Dream Wedding

You've found the perfect venue: old oaks, a stone wall,... Read More

Wedding Planning

Depending on your personal preferences and the preferences of your... Read More

Wedding Gifts for Second Marriages

Second marriages can be a tricky situation for a variety... Read More

Top 5 Reasons for Hiring a Wedding Planner

One of the most joyous occasions in life is a... Read More

Wedding Invitation Tips and Advice

You're well into planning your wedding and have finally decided... Read More

Cookie Wedding Favors

Cookies as wedding favors, create an unique twist on the... Read More

The Wedding Aisle - Who is Walking You Down it?

Choosing who should walk down the aisle with you is... Read More

How to Choose a Pearl Necklace for Your Wedding Day

The elegant beauty of a strand of pearls... Read More

Wedding Reception Perfection: Tips and Suggestions

Over the past years I have performed at many, many... Read More

How To Choose Your Wedding Cake

One of my favorite parts about the wedding, is the... Read More

Capture Your Perfect Moment with a Wedding Website

Not so many years ago, the proposition of a wedding... Read More

Now You?re Engaged, How Do You Choose A Mens Wedding Ring?

So, you've just got engaged.Whether you are a man or... Read More

Improve Your Marriage With Better Communication

Communication plays one of the most important roles in any... Read More

Cultivating Spiritual Intimacy

When two people - destined for each other, come together,... Read More

Wedding Dresses - How to Select the Best One for You

Every bride would agree that her wedding dress should be... Read More

Common Format Of A Wedding Reception

The following article can be copied but you must keep... Read More

Why Hire A Wedding Designer?

As couples begin thinking about their wedding, they are often... Read More