3 Ways to Invest in your Marriage this Week

1. Uhhhh...date night. Simple, right? It's so easy to think that you're spending ample quality time with each other as you stare at the TV together after the kids are in bed. There is just something about cleaning yourself up to go out to dinner together for some one-on-one time. Make it a rule to create a sacred space together by not allowing talk about recent conflicts, finances or other challenges during date night. In this sacred space you may find yourself remembering why you married him/her and saying the things you wished you had said to one another during the past month. "You've done a great job coaching the kids' soccer team."

"Thanks for unloading the dishwasher this morning before work."

"You look great tonight."

2. Make it your goal to learn 3 new things about your partner this week. Research on marriage (John Gottman) indicates that the more you know about your spouse, i.e the stronger your "Love Map", the better chance you have of maintaining a strong marriage.

Who is her best friend?

What challenges is he experiencing at work right now?

What has her excited about life lately?

What dessert does he prefer?

Regardless of how long you have been together, you can always learn more about your spouse who is growing and changing throughout your lives together. Don't be the old couple who sits together at dinner sitting silently, bored to death of one another. Find 3 new things...Go.

3. Do your homework.

If you had a key client at work and it was absolutely essential that you maintain your relationship with this client, you would make sure you engaged in ongoing research to stay on the cutting edge of whatever it would take to keep it going strong, right? Shouldn't we all do the same for our marriages which have far more intrinsic value? There is good, quality, scientific research being done on what makes marriages happy and resilient. Doesn't it make sense to gain that information so you can be knowledgable about your even more important job as husband/wife. Start with John Gottman's books/DVDs/seminars.

Invest in relational capital and strengthen your marriage this week. For more tips, or to engage with a Board Certified Life Coach specializing in helping you be intentional about the legacy you leave behind, contact Kristen Heaney.

Twitter: @kristenheaney