When romance dies in a marriage, perspective is lost and spouses hand each other more barbs than banquets.
So how can you get your relationship back on track?
In counselling sessions, it’s common to hear “...I don’t love
him/her any more, we seem to be living miles apart or we have
irreconcilable differences.” Below are a few tips to keep that fire
burning.
Communication
Communication has to do with listening to understand and building
consensus in the relationship. “I love You, I am sorry, please must be
part of your vocabulary. When demands replace requests in the
relationship, romance will not thrive. Treat your spouse like a
customer, be courteous and be the first to seek forgiveness.
Studies reveal that the more couples live together, the less they
talk. This may be because of familiarity, assuming you know so much
about your spouse as well as lack of curiosity in your partner.
Re-create together
Left over time is not enough to build romance. I advise couples
to have a date night once a week. This day is dedicated for the two of
you to bond despite the busy schedules, parenting drama and so forth.
You can go out hiking, watch a movie, play together. This can bridge
rifts that result from drifts in relationships. Drift is a gradual
alienation that occurs because you are not investing time with each
other.
Ignite attraction
Were you to him or her? What are the foundational things that
defined your relationship? These two questions will help you go back in
time to see some qualities, strengths, gifting that may have informed
your decision to commit your life to them. You may discover the beauty
is in there waiting to be rescued. The physical may change either
through ageing or child bearing. Commit to work at your health and
appearance. To the ladies, men are visual, and if you can do something
about your wardrobe and bedroom impressions as well. To the men, if your
spouse is not able to regain the original shape, you did not just marry
hips. There is a character in her that can hold your marriage together.
Furthermore, marriage is founded on commitment, not just romance.
Speak your mate’s love language
Dr Gary Chapman in his book Five Love Languages, cites – words of
affirmation, acts of service, physical touch and so forth as the
predominant love languages. Your spouse has at least one language that
communicates love to him/her. To some men, love equals respect whereas
to some women love equals time. When you don’t communicate your spouse’s
love language they don’t feel loved, or enough romance.
Focus on me
To change the marriage, take responsibility for changing yourself
first. There are small things you can do- make sacrifices, initiate
dialogue, surprise him or her, be approachable, quick to forgive, slow
to anger, be positive and stop the blame game. Be accountable to each
other, talk about your future plans .
Physical affection
Be physically affectionate. Hold hands, hug and cuddle. Frequent physical contact, even in public, keeps your romance alive.
God centered relationship
Happy marriages is a tripartite that involves the man, woman and
God .You are not sufficient sin yourself to love your spouse. Pray that
God who created her will change his/her heart and make it tender. When
He has healed your relationship wounds, you can love again, forgive and
release.
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