In order to keep your marriage strong, I recommend using a positive attitude in your relationship. Treating your spouse how you would like to be treated is generally the way to shape your attitude. Put a stop to blame and criticism and start paying attention to your partner’s good points and compliment these strengths. You will get more of what you support with positive remarks. You’ll often find a debate will go much more smoothly when you refrain from criticism and stay positive in how you approach the subject. For example, if you need to iron out a financial disagreement, begin by telling your partner that you know how hard he works to make money and or how skilled he is with managing finances. When he tells you his standpoint, make an effort to understand where he’s coming from and tell him that you see what he is saying. Maybe he’s right, after all. Just by being respectful and positive, you may find your spouse will be much more agreeable to compromising with you or will adopt your suggestion altogether.

Related to being more positive in the way you interact with your partner, be sure to adopt a positive frame of mind about your marriage in general. What is that you really love about your partner? It could be how hard he works at his business or even something like how he still gives you his pickle at lunchtime when you go out for sandwiches, showing his thoughtfulness and how well he knows you and your love for pickles. You’ll find that you’ll start seeing him doing right more often than before because you’ll be tuned to seeing his strong points.

Tina Turbin