5 Ways To Be Married for 35 Years

I feel like I am ancient when I say I have been married for 35 years!  I feel like I am only 35!  This is a great stage in life........we are empty nesters!  Basically, except for my brother who lives with us.  How did we do it?  It wasn't luck, that's for sure.

1.  Keep your sense of humor!  That's the key!  Tough times will come to every marriage.  Marriage will become dull and boring.  Having humor will brighten the rough days.  Guaranteed.  This is a recent text I received from my husband.  It's a very big deal that he is texting.  He's not savvy like that. 

I am glad he knows that I like to have the last word!

      One of the funniest gifts I ever from my husband was at Valentine's Day.  I am not saying the sexiest, I mean the funniest!  He gave me a cute little bear from the Hallmark store.  It was wearing some sort of sweater.  As I was admiring the little stuffed bear, I kept wondering what kind of sweater was that bear wearing.  It had some orange and black markings on it.  During the evening I kept looking at the sweater and then it hit me.  That was a bat on the sweater.  This was a Halloween bear.  He bought of it off the clearance section at the Hallmark store!!!!  I don't think I ever laughed so hard.

2.  Do spiritual things together.  I think this is right up there at the top of the list.  As we add God into our lives, we add light.  It's that simple.  Negativity is washed away as we pray together.

He is really happy.  He's just trying to figure out how to take a selfie!

3.  Date each other.  A friend and her husband reserve every Friday night for dates!  It works for them.  Whether they go out to dinner, take a walk or watch the game on TV, they spend the time together.  Without any outsiders!  Plan what works for you on a calendar and stick to it!

4.  Money, money, money.  This is one of the biggest causes of contention in the home. My days of hiding bills are over!  Yup, I was one of those people.  Now I am the bill payer.  I have improved my skills over the years!  Get on the ball and get on the same page about money issues.  Have Dave Ramsey help you.  It works wonders. 

 

5.  Communication.  Sometimes it seems like husbands and wives speak entirely different languages.  Or no language at all.  Say what you mean.  Do you want to stop for a drink?  Say it, just don't assume he can read your mind when your traveling.  Be a content communicator.  Be precise.  Look at each other when you speak.  Some times I have to have my husband repeat what I said back to me so I know he was paying attention.  Learn good communication skills and don't just pretend you have them.  Also, criticism is not a communication style.  It destroys relationships.  Do your best to say things in a positive way. 

Marriages aren't going to be perfect.  There will be days or weeks or months that can be challenging.  Following these simple 5 steps can help you get over those hurdles!!