| Sadly the chance that your marriage will fail in the first | | | | Unfortunately, most of us end up guessing wrong. |
| 5 years is 50%. Why do some marriages fail while | | | | Find a good balance between work and home. For |
| others succeed? There are many different reasons. | | | | many couple, this is the most difficult part of their |
| But, most successful marriages seem to embrace | | | | relationship to get right. This is not only a time issue but |
| these key ingredients. | | | | also a "mind" issue. Too many people spend their time |
| Commitment to making the relationship work is the first | | | | at work thinking about being home only to get home |
| key. Commitment carries many negative connotations. | | | | and think about work. |
| When you here the word "commitment", what do you | | | | Have a good sense of humor. Spend time laughing |
| picture in your head? Many people picture a nagging | | | | with your spouse. All marriages have rough spots and |
| spouse, unbearable responsibilities, or even a ball and | | | | setbacks. A sense of humor helps put these into |
| chain. But, if you want your marriage to thrive, you | | | | perspective. The same challenges that pull one |
| must be committed. Committed to the same value and | | | | marriage apart can make your marriage stronger, if |
| goals that your spouse is committed to. | | | | you and your spouse can find the humor in the |
| Communication is the next important ingredient in a | | | | situation. |
| happy marriage. Not the "How was your day, dear?" | | | | Does your marriage have all or most of these |
| sort of communication either. You must learn to | | | | ingredients? If not, it might be time to make some |
| communicate on a deep level with your spouse. This | | | | changes. Just pick the area that seem to need the |
| means sharing your private thoughts and feelings. It is | | | | most improvement and start working on it. You will be |
| natural for you to feel uncomfortable at first. With | | | | doing this work to strengthen the most important |
| practice it will become easier and easier. Don't be | | | | relationship of your life. |
| surprised if you begin to look forward to this time | | | | If you feel unsure about where to begin, don't worry. |
| together. | | | | There are many resources available to you. You might |
| Meeting the emotional and physical needs of your | | | | want to start with your local library or book store. |
| spouse. This is another area that suffers when | | | | There are also many resources available online to help |
| communication is missing. Without communication you | | | | you build the relationship you desire. |
| are forced to guess what your partner needs. | | | | |