An ideal wife is any woman with an ideal husband. Booth Tarkington, author
Ideal isn’t a real goal, but the sentiment is still valid. Love in a marriage is not unconditional. It is a reciprocal relationship. How you feel about your spouse is a function of how your partner treats you, and visa verse. The health of your relationship depends on how you each make the other feel.
When relationships start, influenced by the passion of being in love, the focus is on what you can do to make your partner feel important and special. Over time, this often shifts to a “what have you done for me lately” stance. This happens because you stop honoring the vows you made on your wedding day.
Instead of living up to the promises to love, honor, and cherish your spouse that you made on your wedding day, you keep track of what your partner is doing for you. However, if you make a concerted effort to continue to focus on meeting your spouse’s needs and make them feel like a priority in your life, you dramatically increase the chances that your partner will do the same for you.
When you each continue to put your energy and effort into each other and the relationship, you set the stage for your ideal relationship to blossom. By being the best spouse you can be, you make it possible for your partner to do the same and make the “happily ever after” of fairy tales your reality.
Fearless Marriage Activities to Keep Your Love Alive:
Day One: Tell your partner one thing you love about them.
Day Two: Honor one of your spouse’s requests.
Day Three: Let one of your partner’s mistakes go.
Day Four: Do one thing the way your spouse likes it.
Day Five: Surprise your partner with a positive note or text.
Day Six: Set up a date or activity your spouse would enjoy.
Day Seven: Say “yes” to your partner as often as you can.
For more on how to create your “happily ever after”:
Blueprint for a Lasting Marriage
Fearless Marriage Quotes
“The health of your relationship depends on how you each make the other feel.” Great wisdom, Lesli.
A minister once told us (as a young engaged couple… many years ago) that our blessing would be as great as our love for each other.
I think your point about putting the energy and effort into fostering our love is what makes a difference in how my husband and I feel. Taking it easy has never brought us any reward.
Great post!
The best marital advice I ever got was, “Always remember, no matter what your husband says or does, he means it to be the best thing for you and your marriage.” The purpose is to help you to remain kind-hearted and loving towards your spouse.
I love your Fearless Marriage Activities to Keep Your Love Alive! Thanks!