The Couple that Laughs Together, Stays Together
'And inside jokes or pet names - things others just don't 'get' - strengthen ties between couples.' Bonding over these moments builds a reservoir of joyful memories that can serve as a buffer against rough times." (Prevention, August 2007, p. 130)
According to a UCLA study of 79 couples, "The way you receive [your spouse's] good news may be even more important than how you react during a crisis. Partners who shared excitement for each other's achievements had the most satisfying relationships. How a partner reacted to tough times wasn't as closely tied to satisfaction. A celebration provides the opportunity to really boost his ego and reinforce your status as team." (Prevention, May 2007, p. 145)
Closer to home, a family and marriage counselor recently told me that when couples come to him who have grown apart or are not sure they "still love" one another, one of their first assignments is to recall the events and moments they've had together that were fun, things they enjoyed doing together. Once they have recalled those fun times together, they are then to go do some of those things that gave them enjoyment together as a couple - maybe even before they were married. They are not to try to recreate the original event; they are relearning, in some cases, how to have fun together.
Take some time together with your spouse to think back through the fun times you have had together. Get out old pictures and other mementos to help you remember. Sit on the porch, hold hands, as you recall the days before you were married when your first priority was being together and the cares of the world seemed to disappear.
As you enjoy the longer days of summer and the opportunities to play together as a couple or a family, make laughter a priority and find something to celebrate every day.
This could be your best summer ever - and one that will strengthen your marriage by kicking back and relaxing with your spouse.
About the Author
Claudia Pate is the Department Editor for Marriage Builders on CWR. She is also the owner of The Anniversary Shop, an online store dedicated to helping celebrate wedding anniversaries with gifts based on traditional and modern gift themes by year.
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