 |
| Tiffany and her husband Marty |
We’re all well aware that 2011 is lurking right around the corner. Starting January 1st, many of us will commence new endeavors: dieting, vowing to attend church every week, saving more money, and other personal promises that help define a New Year and a new you.
I can’t speak for anyone else, but my marriage is something that I’m constantly trying to improve, not just for the New Year, but 365 days a year. Particularly with newlyweds, it’s important to practice good relationship habits from the beginning. In time, those habits will become natural patterns.
Here are a few things I’d like my husband, Marty, and me to work on in 2011. Maybe you and your hubby will take the journey with us?
1. Turn off the TV… and the laptop… and the iPhone
The television became an embedded part of our lives decades ago. But over the past few years, other forms of technology have taken over. We watch TV, send e-mails and texts almost subconsciously. But making time for your partner is more important than any reality TV show, text message or website, right?
My suggestion: Choose two days a week (perhaps Tuesday and Thursday) that you and your husband will eat a quiet dinner at the table with no gadgets in sight. Talk about your day at work or your plans for the upcoming weekend. It really doesn’t matter what you discuss – the point is to communicate. And if it seems forced at first, as I said before, in time it’ll become a natural pattern. A lot of husbands might dread this one-on-one time, but a couple hours each week won’t hurt.
2. Get up and get out
I’ve read many magazine articles and blog posts claiming that weekly date nights are crucial to improving communication and intimacy in marriage. While I don’t necessarily disagree, I do think weekly dates are a bit much for some couples, especially when work and kids take up so much of your time and energy.
My suggestion: As an alternative, plan a bi-weekly or monthly date night instead. It’ll give you and him something to look forward to. If possible, try skipping dinner and a movie. Let loose a little bit. For instance, hubby and I plan on trying indoor rock climbing next month.
3. Stay fit… together
Exercising with your spouse is a great way to bond, spend quality time together and help both of you physically look your best. Join a gym, run a few laps around your subdivision, go swimming at your local YMCA or join a salsa class – there are tons of ways to get fit with your beau.
My suggestion: After working all day Monday through Friday, there’s only one place I want to go after 5 p.m.: home. We’ve got a Wii Fit that’s been collecting dust for months. My plan is to bring it back downstairs to the living room where we can no longer avoid it. We’ll work out, together, in the privacy of our living room. So can you! And if you’ve got kids, working out at home is an easy, fun way to get the whole family in shape together. Doesn’t that sound fun?
So, that’s my two cents. What will you do to improve your marriage in 2011?
Writer's Bio:
Tiffany Maberry, a Hartford, Conn. native, has been writing professionally for over a decade. Her writing credits include The Hartford Courant, Urban Influence, The (GSU) Signal, The Professional: Connecting Atlanta (the official newsletter of the Atlanta Urban League Young Professionals) and various corporate/private publications and blogs.
Tiffany and her husband, Marty, married in June 2009 in Jamaica after dating for six years. The couple is enjoying married life before starting a family. They currently live in Atlanta. Visit Tiffany’s blog, The Chocolate Knot, follow her on Twitter @KnotChocolate or e-mail her at [email protected]
Very good tips, Tiffany! I agree, working on your marriage all year long should be the case. Especially harder when children are in the picture. Excellent post.
Love the article Tiffany! And great points! Matt and I will have to try some of them out! Thanks for sharing.