Marriage is not a noun; it’s a verb. It isn’t something you get. It’s something you do. It’s the way you love your partner every day. Barbara De Angelis
This whole month I’ve been writing about habits. It may seem odd, but it all leads us to this very discussion. Everything from how habits are formed and can be changed to establishing why habits are important leads to the goal of having habits that promote love and healthy relationships.
I’ve made mention of this once or twice, but this year I’ve decided to build a habit of doing something special for my wife each month. Something just for her that will communicate my love and appreciation for her. For the month of March, I decided to do five days of handwritten letters.
What’s important here is that I’m working on developing the habit of love. A habit that always has my wife on my mind and is thinking of ways that I can communicate my love for her. That’s what we want, or should desire, to keep our spouse on our minds and in our hearts at all times. Here are a couple of ways that we can develop the habit of love.
-
Show respect to your partner
You would think that this is a given, but you’d be surprised at how many people do not show their partner respect. Showing respect to your partner is a habit that is worth creating, as it’s a necessary ingredient for creating a happy, healthy and long-lasting connection. When you express respect towards your partner, you are expressing your love, acceptance, and warmth. Respecting your partner is all about valuing them for who they are, including differences. You may have a different outlook on life but this does not mean that you should disrespect your partner and put them down.
Quality time is never wasted time Click To Tweet-
Turn the TV off at night and spend time with your spouse
How can you possibly connect with your spouse when the television is always on? There is no connection building when both of you are constantly staring at the television screen in the evenings. Make the decision to turn off the TV in the evenings, and spend quality time together. Occasionally, you can snuggle and watch a movie, but avoid watching television most evenings so that you can develop a habit that creates connection and love. Snuggle up on the couch and talk with your partner; talk to each other and discuss how you can develop your relationship. You should always have something to talk about, whether it’s planning for the next vacation or your next date night. Focus on developing your relationship, and talk about issues that need to be addressed.
-
Stay Connected Throughout the Day
We have such busy schedules that connecting with your spouse throughout the day can be the last priority, but if you want to have a happy, long-lasting relationship, reconnecting with your partner throughout the day is crucial. It can be as simple as sending a loving text during your lunch break or giving them a call on the way home. This habit is meant to keep the connection and focus with your partner. Even if you have a hectic schedule, you can still make the time to send a text message or give your spouse a phone call. Be creative. Think of ways that you can reconnect with your spouse throughout the day.
Discussion Question:
What are the habits that you are developing or have developed that keep you connected to your spouse?
