Are you being the best husband or wife you know you can be?

8 SIMPLE WAYS TO BE A BETTER SPOUSE

1. Put down your cell phone.•When you get home from work or when you wake up in the morning, don’t zone in on your phone. Put it away and don’t pick it back up until you and your spouse have had a meaningful conversation—one in which you actively contribute and listen.

2. Say “please” and “thank you.”• As simple as it is, saying “please” and “thank you” can go a long way in a marriage. Using polite manners with your spouse shows that you care and respect him or her. Be kind and gentle when you ask and receive, and you’ll be surprised at the tenderness that will start to fill your relationship.

3. Enjoy each other’s interests.• Even if you don’t like golfing or going to a ballet, participating in your spouse’s interests shows that you care. You don’t have to do everything together, but showing interest in your spouse’s interests will help bring you together.

4. Apologize and forgive.•When you get into fights, let go of your pride and be willing to genuinely apologize and forgive. Fake apologies and bitter grudges will only drive you apart.

5. Dress up.• Just because you’re comfortable with your spouse doesn’t mean you can finally stop trying to look nice. You still need to woo your spouse in marriage to keep the spark alive, which means taking the time to dress up, do your hair, and smell nice.

6. Be spontaneous.• You don’t have to plan a fancy vacation to be spontaneous. You can bring home some flowers, go out to eat instead of dining at home, or book a one-night stay in a local hotel. Spontaneity adds excitement and life to marriage.

7. Give a “hello” and “goodbye” kiss.• Small tokens of affection like a quick kiss on the lips is a reminder of your admiration and love for one another. It’s easy to think you don’t need to do this to have a strong marriage, but you really do. Physical affection on a daily basis is necessary for a happy marriage.

8. Attend a marriage retreat.• Marriage retreats are three or fours days of activities and counseling that help couples reignite the spark in their marriages. They can truly help you and your spouse reconnect and find hope and healing from possible past emotional wounds.

Book a LIFE Marriage Retreat Today• If you’re interested in attending a marriage retreat, call LIFE Marriage Retreats today.

•We have helped dozens of couples redeem and revive their marriages through the one-on-one couples counseling sessions and experiential activities at our retreats.

• To learn more, or to book a retreat today, contact LIFE Marriage Retreats by calling 877-376-7127 or by visiting www.lifemarriageretreats.com.