Maintaining a Strong Marriage
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Before children came into your and your spouse’s lives, you more than likely dated and enjoyed getting to know each other with your ample free time! No doubt, tides are changing. A child has surely ushered in joy, challenges, and a new normal to your marriage. Additionally, the emotional impact of finding out your child is blind or low vision has affected both parents and, more than likely, has affected the two of you uniquely. You may find the two of you naturally drift apart. How can you combat drifting apart and, instead, strengthen the foundation of your marriage?
Have open lines of communication!
Discuss doctor visits, school meeting concerns, and successes. Talking about upcoming events and potential challenges will help you be on the same page. Give yourself and your spouse the time needed to process what medical professionals tell you and what school teams share. Make sure to come back together to discuss, help your spouse understand your feelings, and, when needed, make a plan for the next steps.
Take time for the two of you!
Set aside time to do the things you both enjoy, which can be as simple as sitting next to each other and checking in on your spouse’s day. Finding a few moments to sit and enjoy your spouse’s company will allow you to reconnect. Try to do simple things together, such as the laundry, cooking, or running errands.
Work out together!
The benefits from working out are beneficial to your body and your mind. Walking around the block or going to the gym together will benefit you both physically and mentally. Encouraging and supporting each other through different workouts help you remember you’re on the same team.
Ask for help!
No one person can do it all; it is ok to ask for help and discuss when you are struggling. It is hard to ask for help, even for tasks such as washing and folding laundry, cleaning dishes, or carpooling. Recognize when you need a little taken off your plate, as you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Remember greetings and farewells!
Take a few moments to greet each other when one of you arrives home and say goodbye as one leaves the house. Greetings can help the stresses of work to slip away and make the transition to home easier. Hugging and kissing your spouse as one leaves home is also just as important as your greeting. Did you know hugging for 30 seconds can reduce stress and fears and help you feel connected to your spouse?
Show appreciation for the things your spouse does.
It feels good to be recognized and seen for the efforts you make. The pile of laundry that is put away, the meal that is cleaned up, or the call to make appointments are important opportunities to thank your spouse. Being thankful in your relationship can strengthen your marriage, increase long-term happiness, and begin to repair hurt or negative feelings.
Find time to laugh and be silly!
In stressful, emotional, and overwhelming times, it may seem like the last thing you would do is laugh. But laughing may be just what you and your spouse need! Put on some music, dance, and laugh at how you used to dance. Ask your Alexa to tell you a joke, look up some good ole dad jokes on YouTube, or find a comedian to watch. Laughter is a great way to relieve stress, clear your mind, and connect with your spouse.
Intentionally connect. Communicate, laugh, appreciate, and work as a team. You can strengthen the foundation of your marriage!
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