By now we've all heard the statistics a zillion times: Half of all marriages end in divorce.
But when you really weigh that, it's a scary thought, right? I mean, you're not standing there at the altar, all, "yeah, if this doesn't work, I'll trade him in for a new model," are you? I wasn't. But it's a frightening reality for many. Divorce happens, and sometimes it happens to us.
So how to you stop from going down that path? You're in luck because I'm here to tell you. Read on for some unique tips for avoiding divorce.
More from The Stir: 7 Fool-Proof Secrets to Surviving a Painful Marriage Separation
-
Hang out with each other. One of the biggest relationship issues that can lead to divorce is, oddly enough, not spending enough time — quality time — together. Do stuff you guys enjoy: Watch some silly movies, laugh together, and bond. It's so easy to spend time just sitting quietly together but alone, so make sure that really hanging out with each other at least once a week is at the top of your list.
-
Confront those pesky skeletons in your closet. So you hate the way he snores. His mother is a wench. He spends too much time working. Fine — those are all fair things to dislike in a partner (especially over time). So carefully bring them up, don't just sweep them under the rug and pretend they don't exist. To have a good marriage, communication has to be open and honest, or it leads to resentments.
-
Let some things go. Sure, there are things you're not going to be able to resolve. You can't, for example, make someone stop snoring just by saying it drives you up a wall. If the issue is older than six months, you're going to have to start letting go. There's no way someone can make up for resentment over events from years past.
-
Dance in the kitchen in your socks at least once a week. Even if you don't want to. Even if you don't dance. Even if there's no music. Just dance. Five minutes once a week. Trust me on this one.
More from The Stir: 5 Ways Couples Therapy Can Ruin Your Marriage
- Keep the spark alive. Doesn't matter how you do it. If it's edible undies and whipped cream or date night or movie night — whatever. Just make sure to schedule (if you have to) some time to be with one another and do something that rekindles the spark every single week.
What other tips do you guys have for avoiding divorce?
Image via migelpdl/Flickr
