Anatomy of a Thriving Marriage Part II
September 4, 2009 – 8:00 am
Yesterday, I posted Part I of the Anatomy of a Thriving Marriage. This is a continuation of the last three tips, including resources.
Make love often – Often is of course a relative term, just make sure you get enough from your spouse. I’ve always been a touchy, feely person and after reading the Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman my suspicions were confirmed. Physical touch is my primary love language. Physical and emotional intimacy plays a vital role in keeping a marriage vibrant. While making love, cuddling, hugging, and caressing are acts that keep us physically bonded, expressing our deepest truths and respecting each other’s vulnerabilities provides us with an emotional safety net that thickens with each demonstration of trust.
Laugh- We’ve all heard the popular saying, “A family who prays together, stays together.” Well, I’d like to add that “A couple who laughs together stays together.” Laughter is the language of the soul. When couples banter playfully, it lightens life’s heavy loads and defuses potential arguments like rain dousing a brush fire. If life is meant to be enjoyed, then laughter is an outcome measurement.
Connect with other positive married couples- My husband and I are members of the couple’s ministry at our worship center. They are a supportive, fun group that coordinates a host of activities. The next outing is a couple’s retreat featuring workshops based on the hit movie, Fireproof. Find like-minded couples to spend time with.
What do you do to keep your marriage strong? If you are single and desire to be married, how do you envision strengthening your marriage? Please share. I’m interested to hear from you. In the meantime, explore these popular links for great marriage advice and musings.
FireProofMyMarriage.com – is your source for great marriage resources and more.
Smart Marriages.com – is a coalition for marriage, family and couples education
dedicated to making marriage education widely available.
Destination I do – is a web site magazine to plan a dream destination wedding or romantic honeymoon. You’ll find: exotic destinations, inspirational ideas, and all the tools to help you plan your fairytale getaway!
National Healthy Marriage Resource Center - is a clearinghouse for high quality, balanced, and timely information and resources on healthy marriage.
The Wedded Bliss Foundation - a community based organization helping teens, singles and couples develop healthy relationships and healthy marriages to improve their lives, better the outcomes for children and create stronger communities.
Peace, Persist, and Prosper!
-Asia M. Hadley
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5 Responses to “Anatomy of a Thriving Marriage Part II”
Thanks Asia for such an informative article. As I am contemplating marriage and what it takes, its always nice to hear positive words and good advice. I’m often bombarded with negative images and close friends who tell me not to get married. How refreshing!
By Akuba on Sep 7, 2009
Thank you Akuba for your response. In the beginning, I was very hesitant to get married and had to work through some of my thought patterns as it relates to marriage. I’m so grateful that I decided to get married, because it marked another evolution in my growth. All the best to you!
By Asia Hadley on Sep 8, 2009
Marriage is what you make of it. Sometimes there are mistakes made in the person you chose to marry. Don’t ever let that experience prevent you from trying again. If you don’t try again, you might miss the best marriage ever. Voice of experience speaking again.
By Deborah Kirk on Sep 9, 2009
Marriage is one of the most sacred ceremonies that we humans experience. Being married also gives us happines.-.-
By Nevaeh Green on May 23, 2010
marriage is great specially if you have found a very special someone that is beautiful both on the inside and outside.`~,
By Billy Lloyd on Jul 25, 2010