How to Maintain a Strong Marriage Union

On July 27TH I will be celebrating my 38TH wedding anniversary.  38 years have went by in a blur.  I started thinking what has made our relationship so strong.  Like many other couples, we have had our highs and lows.  I believe that there are three major reasons why we have managed a strong marriage union.

1.  The 50/50 Rule:  To make a marriage work, it takes a 100 percent effort by the two involved.  That doesn't mean that each individual has to provide a 100 percent effort.  It means that the total of the two has to meet the 100 percent goal.  One person might give 40 percent while the other gives 60 percent.  However, over the course of the years, it averages out to 50 percent for each individual.

This 50/50 rule applies to all aspects of the relationship.  Chores, support, sexual activity, money earned, family responsibilities and accepting and respecting the other persons opinions.  All of these will teeter back and forth over the course of the relationship.  When final totals are accounted, they equal the 50/50 rule.

2.  Worship:  The family that worships together stays together.  We have all heard that before.  But, it goes farther than that.  Respecting ones beliefs is just as important.  Many marriages have split faiths.  However, if their beliefs are respected and accepted, the marriage will prosper.  The couple that worships of the same faith has a strong chance of succeeding.

3.  Patience and Understanding:  Communication is very important.  Each person has to be patient and understanding.  They have to realize that individuals are going to make mistakes.  That have to be able to forget those mistakes and help their spouse work through them.  Going back to the 50/50 rule, never be afraid to carry your partners load when necessary. Never go to bed angry at your spouse.

One last thing that helps a relationship is when the man takes control in a severe situation.  There will be times when a man just has to do things that a man must do.  Changing tires, removing snow, doing hard physical labor are just a few of the things that a man must step up and do.  He is responsible for protecting the family and his spouse when necessary.

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