Help Save Marriage – "We" Can Work it Out
Marriage Saving is a Work Plan.
Both you and your spouse must be ready to work hard to repair the pieces of your injured relationship. Understand that it will take both time & effort. The last thing you want is for your marriage to fall into a deeper mess than it is already. If need be, you may have to be the bigger person and take the first step, even if you feel you aren't the one who is wrong. Sacrifices are necessary in order for your marriage to be saved. Nobody ever said that marriage saving is an easy task.
Help Save Marriage Means "Stop Complaining".
Complaining can be just about the same as nagging. You may not have thought of this, but frequent complaining to your spouse is also indicating that they're doing something wrong. You certainly can't force someone to change. Realize that all real change starts from within. If there are some matters with your partner that you wish would change, then they need to recognize this for themselves.
You can alienate your partner more by trying to compel him into changing when that's the last thing in his mind or pressuring him to believe in something that he doesn't believe in. The nonstop badgering will cause your spouse to feel as though you don't approve of their unique personality .
You can help promote change in your partner by positively encouraging their efforts whenever efforts are made. You're delighted by the effort even though you know that change doesn't come immediately. Affirmative reinforcement is much more effective than verbal attack.
Are you the one who gets the criticism and complaints more often? Then try to take a different approach. Don't get defensive and instantly start protesting. But instead, try listening to your spouse and try to understand why they are complaining.
Try and hear what your spouse is telling you. You want them to realize that you are making a genuine and truthful endeavor to see it from their side for a change. Saving a marriage is never easy, particularly if you feel that you are the one who is right but you need to prove to your spouse that you're going to do whatever necessary for your marriage to be saved.
You never know what positive things could come out of learning to communicate with your partner. Even if you don't end up seeing the matter "eye-to-eye", your spouse will surely value your efforts in trying to understand their wants and needs.
Be patient and support each other. Understand that marriage repair can only happen in the fullness of time. You will get upset some days and other days will be less difficult…take each day one by one. Don't worry about the petty things and avoid quarrels. Keep the end result constantly in your mind and heart. Words can be paper thin so show your intent through your actions.
You can learn more on how to manage your marriage crisis: Save Marriage book or Self Help Marriage