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Home › Articles › Relationships › Emotional Workouts for a Happier Marriage

Emotional Workouts for a Happier Marriage

By Lisa Marie Metzler

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, author Gary Chapman suggests spouses learn to identify a partner's love language.

"The five 'love languages,' are words of affirmation; acts of service; physical touch; gifts and quality time," says Chapman.

Bill Geisel of Interlochen, Mich., has learned his wife Cynthia responds to acts of service. "I will clean the kitchen or do a project with Cynthia that she enjoys. It is important for me to enter her world," Bill Geisel says.

For Bill Geisel, however, words of affirmation mean the most. Cynthia Geisel often will leave notes for her husband to find. "When I find the notes, I have something to hold on to. It means she has taken the time and effort to connect with me," Bill Geisel says.

For Love of Country
Given the current world crisis, many spouses who serve in the United States Military are separated from each other. How do they keep their marriage strong when they're separated by thousand of miles for long periods of time? For Kristi and Jason Wing, stationed in two different locations near Mannheim, Germany, letter writing is something that they cherish.

"Keeping in touch is a big thing, even if it is just an email now and then or a quick phone call. I have tons of letters that we have written back and forth," says Kristi Wing.

Rick York of Spring Valley, Calif., serves in the U.S. Navy and his wife Suzi quickly agrees that communication is their secret to a successful marriage. "Even when he's away, we communicate about everything, from money to what to buy for the house to our relationship," Suzi York says.

Friends First
Keith and Venus Tondreau of Grawn, Mich., have been married for fifteen years. What remains important to them is their friendship. "We are each other's best friend," says Keith Tondreau. <> Take interest in what your spouse enjoys. Support and encourage your mate like you would any other friendship. Tondreau also recommends a liberal dose of flirting (like before you were married)!

Take time each day to look each other in the eye, really listen and show small acts of kindness. You'll have a better marriage for it!

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