10 Keys to a Happy Marriage
1. Make Your Spouse Number One
Make it clear that you are each other's number one. Do all you can to maintain your husband /
wife as your number one human relationship. Avoid any other relationship having greater
priority, affection, time or attention.
2. Appreciate Each Other
Express your appreciation of your spouse regularly. Do not take each other for granted.
Express thanks – even for routine things like cooking and cleaning. Continue to plan surprises.
3. Spend Time Together
Make Quality time for each other, rather than just working for a better home or car. Avoid
working long hours regularly. Ensure you make time for things you enjoy doing as a couple.
4. Talk And Listen
Spend time talking and listening to each other. Be interested. Express sympathy when
necessary. Give support and comfort. Sympathy and good attentive listening will usually be
appreciated by your spouse much more than suggestions. It’s important to laugh together too.
5. Agree on How to Use Your Income
Agree a budget together, with a margin for unexpected costs. Try to avoid using credit cards
unless you can pay off the full amount monthly. Avoid the trap of debt. It’s better to wait.
6. Show Affection
Learn how to show and receive affection without it having to lead to sex. Just a touch, holding
hands, a light kiss, a quick hug, a few words spoken: ”I love you”.
7. Meet Each Other’s Physical Needs
Talk about your sex life and aim to meet each other’s needs. God says that our body belongs to
our spouse. That will mean compromises. Each learn what the other enjoys.
8. Trust Each Other
Trust is a priceless commodity, but it is difficult to restore when broken. So always try to be as
honest as possible and faithful with each other.
9. Deal with Difficulties Quickly
Become skilled at resolving conflict. Focus on one issue at a time. Listen to and understand the
other's point of view − then share yours. Deal with situations quickly; don’t sulk and don’t
withdraw. Remember: Love keeps no record of wrongs. Don't let the sun go down on your anger.
10. Try to Build a Foundation of Agreement
Aim to discuss and agree your approach to discipline and relationships with others. Find 'our'
way of doing it. Seek to re-negotiate adult to adult relationships with parents and
parents−in−law. Discipline children with consistency and rewards. Discipline should be calm, fair
and firm. Try to avoid disciplining children when you are angry.
1. Make Your Spouse Number One
Make it clear that you are each other's number one. Do all you can to maintain your husband /
wife as your number one human relationship. Avoid any other relationship having greater
priority, affection, time or attention.
2. Appreciate Each Other
Express your appreciation of your spouse regularly. Do not take each other for granted.
Express thanks – even for routine things like cooking and cleaning. Continue to plan surprises.
3. Spend Time Together
Make Quality time for each other, rather than just working for a better home or car. Avoid
working long hours regularly. Ensure you make time for things you enjoy doing as a couple.
4. Talk And Listen
Spend time talking and listening to each other. Be interested. Express sympathy when
necessary. Give support and comfort. Sympathy and good attentive listening will usually be
appreciated by your spouse much more than suggestions. It’s important to laugh together too.
5. Agree on How to Use Your Income
Agree a budget together, with a margin for unexpected costs. Try to avoid using credit cards
unless you can pay off the full amount monthly. Avoid the trap of debt. It’s better to wait.
6. Show Affection
Learn how to show and receive affection without it having to lead to sex. Just a touch, holding
hands, a light kiss, a quick hug, a few words spoken: ”I love you”.
7. Meet Each Other’s Physical Needs
Talk about your sex life and aim to meet each other’s needs. God says that our body belongs to
our spouse. That will mean compromises. Each learn what the other enjoys.
8. Trust Each Other
Trust is a priceless commodity, but it is difficult to restore when broken. So always try to be as
honest as possible and faithful with each other.
9. Deal with Difficulties Quickly
Become skilled at resolving conflict. Focus on one issue at a time. Listen to and understand the
other's point of view − then share yours. Deal with situations quickly; don’t sulk and don’t
withdraw. Remember: Love keeps no record of wrongs. Don't let the sun go down on your anger.
10. Try to Build a Foundation of Agreement
Aim to discuss and agree your approach to discipline and relationships with others. Find 'our'
way of doing it. Seek to re-negotiate adult to adult relationships with parents and
parents−in−law. Discipline children with consistency and rewards. Discipline should be calm, fair
and firm. Try to avoid disciplining children when you are angry.