Achieving a Healthier, Happier, Hotter Marriage in 7 Painless Steps

Having a successful marriage is an attainable goal within reach of many couples who find themselves struggling. It can feel like an impossible accomplishment when tension, miscommunication, and disconnection are in the forefront. But with a few small adjustments, your marriage can move from strained to strong and even more exciting than ever before. Here are seven easy steps that can help bring back that spark while making you both on the way to a healthier, happier marriage.

1. Invest in Communication: The key to any solid relationship is communication. This can be difficult to maintain in marriage, as couples become comfortable with one another and let go of extra effort. However, good communication is the foundation for any strong relationship. This means actually listening to one another, not just hearing what the other person is saying. Ask questions and seek to really understand each other's feelings.

2. Find Ways to Connect: Fostering meaningful ways to stay connected with your spouse is essential to making a marriage successful. Take time to plan activities that can bring you two closer together, and further strengthen your relationship. This could include having movie nights at home or going on romantic evening walks. This will create a better understanding between the two of you, help form a deeper bond, and give you the chance to enjoy each other’s company.

3. Make Time for Yourself: Making time for yourself outside of the marriage is also essential for a healthy, successful relationship. Too much time together can cause stress and fatigue. So schedule time for yourself to participate in activities that bring you joy. Whether it’s reading, exercising, or crafting, indulging in activities that make you happy is essential for personal growth and development.

4. Recognize and Appreciate Each Other’s Strengths: Instead of magnifying the areas in your spouse you believe could use improvement, take the time to recognize their unique strengths and appreciate everything they bring to the marriage. Share your admiration and affection as often as possible and make sure to express your appreciation when they share something special with you.

5. Remain Positive & Patient: Keeping a positive attitude in the marriage is important. Negative thoughts never helped anybody grow or make progress. Instead, focus on the positive things your spouse does and how proud you are of them. Life can throw rough curveballs, so practice patience and remember that it’s always easier to have a healthy relationship when both spouses are optimistic.

6. Show Your Love Often: Do not hesitate to show your love for each other every day. While this could come in the form of physical or emotional displays of affection, it is up to both partners to put in the effort to make sure their marriage is thriving. Showing love doesn't have to be expensive- simple gestures like taking the time to give a back massage, or cooking a nice dinner can have an equally positive impact.

7. Work Together: Most importantly, remember that your marriage isn’t solely about either individual partner - it’s a joint venture. This means respecting each other’s opinions and working together as a team. As a couple, discuss your dreams and goals, and figure out what is necessary to make them reality. Working towards something together will only bond you two closer together and strengthen the relationship.

With some commitment, effort, and dedication to these seven steps, any couple looking to ignite the spark and heat up their marriage can take their relationship from lukewarm to steaming hot. Take time out for yourself, cut out negative thoughts and arguments, and make sure to keep communication open with your spouse. These are just some of the many tips to achieve a healthier, happier and hotter marriage.