10 Valentines Day Tips for Spouses Who Want to Improve Their Marriage

The best and most valuable gifts are often not material ones. While many spouses focus on Valentine's Day gifts such as jewelry or candy, spouses who are willing to invest the time and energy can give one of the most precious gifts possible-an improved, satisfying marriage.

Long after the romantic card is tucked away and the box of candy is empty, this marriage-enriching gift will still be appreciated and enjoyed. Follow these ten steps to give yourself and your spouse an unforgettable Valentine's Day gift:

1. Direct your energy into becoming the kind of marriage partner you'd like to have. It's easy to criticize a spouse for not being perfect while we overlook our own imperfections.

2. Focus on how you need to change in order to be a better partner. The only person you can ultimately change is yourself.

3. Accept responsibility for your own actions. You take a giant leap forward in growth the day you can say, "I'm sorry for my actions" instead of rationalizing and offering excuses.

4. Minimize blame and resentment. They are toxic and can poison your marriage and your life.

5. Practice forgiveness, not to let your partner off the hook, but because you want to move forward without carrying the weight of past hurts.

6. Break your marriage goals down into small steps and begin taking action. It'll be easier to continue moving forward when you start seeing progress.

7. Adopt the philosophy expressed in the Serenity Prayer: "God, grant me serenity to accept what I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference."

8. Focus on what you can do and give instead of keeping tabs about who is doing the most or making the greatest effort in your marriage.

9. Strive for balance in your own life between family, friends, work, sports, hobbies, recreation, and other interests. Then you won't be as likely to obsess about the imperfections in your partner.

10. Reward and praise yourself often for hanging in there in a challenging situation. You deserve it!

Nancy J. Wasson, Ph.D., is co-author of Keep Your Marriage: What to Do When Your Spouse Says "I don't love you anymore!" This e-book is available at http://www.KeepYourMarriage.com, where you can also sign up for the free Keep Your Marriage Internet Magazine. Nancy can be contacted at Nancy@KeepYourMarriage.com.

---

A Wedding Shower Invitation Should Be Attractive And Stylish!

Wedding shower invitations should lay out all of the necessary... Read More

Planning A Wedding? Tips On How To Attend A Bridal Show

If you're getting married, a Bridal Show is a great... Read More

Chicago Wedding Receptions

There are two major events that you have to plan... Read More

Unique Beach Wedding Receptions

The most unique beach wedding reception ideas are sparked by... Read More

Wedding Loans: Perfect Finance Option for a Perfect Wedding

After seeing each other for years and being tagged as... Read More

Bridal Shower Basics

A bridal shower is an excellent way for the bride... Read More

Let Your Wedding Flowers Speak the Language of Love

Congratulations! You have found the man of your dreams and... Read More

How to Have a Sizzler of a Honeymoon! Article No.1

Henry Vlll and Elizabeth Taylor, who between them had fourteen... Read More

The Wedding Guests Guide to A Stress Free and Fun Wedding

Most brides become obsessed with throwing the perfect wedding. The... Read More

The Right Age To Marry!

An ideal combination. A good career, a great husband and... Read More

Do You Hear Wedding Bells?

So you've been in that perfect relationship for some time... Read More

Spotlight on the Asian-Themed Wedding

Asian-themed weddings are on the rise, and at first this... Read More

Atlanta Wedding Receptions

The beginning of the journey of two souls begins with... Read More

Classic White Color for Bridal Gown

Ever since Queen Victoria wed in 1840, however, white has... Read More

Selecting Your Wedding Centerpieces

Wedding centerpieces help tie together the look of your entire... Read More

The History of the White Wedding Dress

As a youngster -- or perhaps even as an adult... Read More

The Wedding Dress Revealed

Fashion Trends and Popular Styles and ColorsThe Wedding Dress ?... Read More

Anniversary Gift Ideas: Sweet and Sexy Speaks Volumes

There are many great options to consider for letting your... Read More

Inside Secrets On How To Stay In Love

My husband Bill and I have just had our 37th-wedding... Read More

Top 5 Wedding Favors and Why

WHAT ARE THE TOP FIVE WEDDING FAVORS AND WHY?At most... Read More

Anniversary Gifts and Perfumes

How many times has your anniversary come around and you... Read More

Is Conflict Healthy in Marriage?

Today my three-year-old daughter told my husband that she wants... Read More

Create Unique Wedding Invitations That Only Look Expensive

Save a substantial amount of money on invitations, without sacrificing... Read More

The Beautiful Bride To Be ? Beauty Tips For The Big Day

It goes without saying that we all want to look... Read More

Wedding Day Savings

A little strategizing can go a long way when trying... Read More

Ending Co-Dependence

Why does Co-dependence arise? Well because two or more individuals... Read More

Wedding Tips

Weddings are made in heaven, they say, but they have... Read More

Meaningful Wedding Gift Ideas

A wedding is one of the most special days planned... Read More

New Trends for Wedding Favors 2005

Wedding favors have evolved over time. Wedding favors today combine... Read More

Getting Married? What You Should Do With Your Checking Accounts and Credit Cards

Marriage is a wonderful thing, but planning the wedding is... Read More

Destination Weddings in Oregon

Oregon is one of the most marvelous places in the... Read More

Marriage and the Election

Dear Friends of Marriage,There is a lot of talk on... Read More

A Promise Ring- More Than Just a Pre-Engagement Ring

When one thinks of a promise ring it is common... Read More