Why Your Spouse Should Be Your Top Priority
Life is a journey full of twists and turns. As you navigate different stages in a relationship, your priorities change. You may juggle work, family, friends, and other commitments. Amidst all this chaos, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters – YOUR SPOUSE!
You couldn’t get enough of each other when you first started dating. Your world revolved around your partner, and you couldn’t wait to spend every waking moment together. But as time passed, other things took up your time and attention. You got busy with work, catching up with friends, spending time with your family, and started having children; before you knew it, your spouse wasn’t your number one priority anymore.
But what if your partner feels neglected?
What if they feel like they’re always coming second to your job or your friends?
It’s time to re-prioritize and make your spouse your top priority.
After all, you’ve committed to each other, and your spouse is the person who will be by your side through thick and thin.
Why you should prioritize your marriage?
Forget Happy Wife Happy Life > A Happy Spouse Equals A Happy Life
A happy spouse is one of the most significant predictors of a happy life. When your partner feels loved, appreciated, and valued, they’re more likely to reciprocate- creating a positive feedback loop and leading to a happier, healthier relationship.
Your Spouse Is Your Life Partner
When you get married, you’re not just committing to spending the rest of your life with someone – you’re committing to building a life together. Your spouse is your partner in everything, from raising kids to building a home to facing life’s challenges. By prioritizing your spouse, you strengthen your bond and build a solid foundation for your future together.
Your Spouse Deserves Your Attention
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But your spouse deserves your attention, love, and affection. They’re the person you choose to spend the rest of your life with and deserve to feel like they’re a priority in your life.
Making your spouse your top priority is one of the best things you can do for your relationship. It may require adjusting your schedule and lifestyle, but the rewards are well worth it.
So why not start today? Show your spouse how much you love and appreciate them, and watch your relationship work.
But What Does It Really Mean To Prioritize Your Marriage?
Does a prioritized marriage mean your needs and wants are irrelevant? NO, it’s not about sacrificing your needs and wants for the sake of your partner.
It’s about finding a balance and making room for both your needs and desires. When you’re in a committed relationship, you’re a team, and teams work together to achieve their goals.
For example, let’s say your partner has been working long hours at their job and is feeling stressed and overwhelmed. By prioritizing your marriage, you might suggest a weekend getaway or plan a special date night to help them relax and unwind.
Showing your partner that you care about their well-being strengthens your bond and builds a stronger foundation for your relationship.
Conversely, if you’ve felt neglected or unappreciated in your relationship, it’s essential to communicate your needs to your partner, allowing them to make things right and prioritize your relationship.
What Are The Benefits of Prioritizing Your Marriage?
So why is prioritizing your marriage so important? Here are just a few of the benefits:
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Increased intimacy and connection
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Better communication and understanding
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Stronger emotional support
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Improved overall satisfaction in your relationship
By consciously prioritizing your spouse and your relationship, you’re investing in your future together. You’re building a strong foundation that can weather any storm and withstand the test of time.
Are you struggling to balance the demands of work, family, and personal life while also prioritizing your marriage?
Related Reading: 7 Signs That Show You Are Not A Priority In The Relationship
How to prioritize your marriage?
These 9 tips will help you prioritize your spouse and strengthen your relationship:
1. Take Your Spouse’s “SIDE”
Loyalty is essential to a loving, lasting marriage. When you take your spouse’s side in a conflict, you demonstrate your unwavering commitment to them. You’re saying, “I’m on your team, no matter what.”
Furthermore, taking your spouse’s side can help you avoid needless arguments and misunderstandings. When you’re both on the same page, you’re less likely to get bogged down in petty disagreements.
But what if you can’t see your spouse’s eye-to-eye on a particular issue?
In that case, it’s still important to show your support. Try to understand where they’re coming from and why they feel this way. Even if you ultimately disagree, your effort to see things from their perspective will be appreciated.
In conclusion:
Sticking by your spouse during conflict is a hallmark of a healthy, happy marriage. It shows that you’re willing to put your partner first, no matter what. So, the next time you disagree with your spouse, try taking their side. Your relationship will be all the stronger for it.
2. Consider Your Spouse’s Opinion Matters When Making Plans
Imagine this: you’re sitting at work, scrolling through your phone during your lunch break, when suddenly, your friend sends you a text message.
“Hey, want to go out for drinks tonight?”
Suddenly, your mind is racing with excitement. You haven’t seen your friend in weeks, and the idea of a night out sounds like just what you need. But before you start typing out your response, take a second to think.
Ask yourself this: what would your spouse say?
Before you start rolling your eyes and dismissing this as an old-fashioned notion, hear us out.
Yes, it’s vital to maintain your friendships and social life outside of your marriage. But at the end of the day, your spouse is the person you’ve committed to building a life with. And as such, their opinion should carry weight when making plans.
Think of it this way: if the situation were reversed and your spouse received the text message invite, wouldn’t you want them to consult with you before accepting?
It’s not about asking for permission or seeking approval. It’s about being courteous and respectful of your partner’s feelings and time.
By asking your spouse before making plans, you’re not only showing them that you value their input but also allowing them to make their own plans or adjust their schedule accordingly.
So the next time you’re faced with a tempting invitation, take a deep breath and reach out to your spouse first. Who knows, maybe they’ll want to join in on the fun!
3. Give Your Spouse Your Time
One great way to do this is by scheduling regular date nights. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy – even a simple dinner at home or a walk in the park can do wonders for your relationship. And when you’re on your date, keep all distractions at bay. That means no phones, no TV, and no work talk. Just focus on each other; this is the true essence of quality time.
But it’s not just about spending time together – it’s about being intentional in your conversations. Ask your spouse how their day was, what they’re excited about, and what’s been on their mind. And don’t be afraid to share your own thoughts and feelings, too. We all know that meaningful conversations create a robust and healthy relationships.
Related Reading: Questions To Ask On Your Date
In short, if you want to keep your marriage strong, prioritize your spouse. Schedule regular date nights, have intentional conversations, and show them how much you care.
Remember: Time is the most precious gift you can give to someone, so make sure to give it to your spouse!
4. Words Matter: Hence Text to Your Spouse
Texting is a powerful way to make your spouse feel valued and loved.
But wait, we’re not talking about sending those generic, meaningless texts that we’re all guilty of. We’re talking about authentic, heartwarming texts that will make your spouse’s day.
Imagine your spouse is going through a stressful day at work. Suddenly, they receive a text from you that reads: “Just wanted to let you know that I’m thinking of you and hoping your day is going okay. Can’t wait to see you later.
How do you think they would feel?
Probably pretty darn special. Taking the time to send a thoughtful message shows that you care about your spouse’s well-being and actively think about them throughout the day.
And it’s not just about making them feel good – texting can also strengthen your relationship. According to a study by Brigham Young University, couples who frequently text each other have higher levels of relationship satisfaction.
So, next time you’re stuck in a meeting or waiting in line at the grocery store, take a moment to send your spouse a text. It doesn’t have to be long or elaborate – just sincere and from the heart. You’ll be amazed at the impact it can have.
Don’t let your busy schedule get in the way of prioritizing your spouse. Take advantage of the power of texting to show them how much you care.
Start sending those authentic texts today and watch your relationship flourish.
If you need inspiration on what to send, start here with good morning quotes or here with 56 statements to affirm your spouse & remember words matter!
5. Why Expressing Gratitude to Your Spouse Matters
Have you ever stopped to think about all the wonderful things your spouse does for you?
From making coffee in the morning to putting up with your quirks, they go above and beyond to improve your life.
But how often do we take the time to say “thank you”?
Expressing gratitude to your spouse is a small act that can significantly impact your relationship. Not only does it make your partner feel appreciated and valued, but it can also improve communication and strengthen your bond.
Start Small
You don’t have to make grand gestures to show your appreciation. Start by saying “thank you” for the little things your spouse does for you. Maybe they made dinner or took care of the kids while you had a busy day at work. Let them know you noticed and appreciate their efforts.
You can also write a heartfelt note or send a text message expressing gratitude. It doesn’t have to be a long message, but it can go a long way in making your spouse feel loved and appreciated.
Get Creative
Get creative if you want to take your gratitude to the next level! Plan a surprise date night or do something special for your spouse to show how much you appreciate them. Cook their favorite meal, plan a weekend getaway, or spend quality time together doing something you both enjoy.
Remember, expressing gratitude is not a one-time event. Make it a habit to show your appreciation regularly, and watch as your relationship grows stronger and more fulfilling.
Related Reading: 15 Ways To Make Your Partner Feel Love
6. Ask Your Spouse What They Think
Marriage is a partnership; like any partnership, both parties must be on board with decisions that can affect the relationship.
Let’s say you’re considering a job offer in a different state. It’s a great opportunity, but it would mean uprooting your life and leaving behind friends and family.
Before making any decisions, you must talk to your spouse and get their input. Maybe they have concerns about moving or are excited about the new adventure. Either way, listening to their thoughts and feelings shows that you value their opinion and are committed to making decisions together.
Of course, not every decision will be as big as a cross-country move. Maybe you’re trying to decide on a vacation spot or where to go for dinner. It may seem like a small thing, but taking the time to consider your partner’s preferences can go a long way in strengthening your relationship.
But what if your priorities don’t align with your spouse’s?
Maybe you’re a night owl, but your partner likes to go to bed early. Or maybe you’re a spender while they’re a saver. These differences can create tension in a relationship, but it’s important to remember that compromise is vital.
Maybe you agree to go to bed earlier on weekdays but stay up later on weekends. Or perhaps you set a budget together that allows for some splurges but also encourages saving for the future.
Putting your spouse first doesn’t mean sacrificing your own needs or desires. It means recognizing that your partner’s input and feelings are as important as yours. By working together to make decisions and find common ground, you show love and respect for each other.
Remember: A successful marriage is a partnership, which requires communication, compromise, and a willingness to put each other’s needs first.
7. Grow Together by Setting Goals with Your Spouse
Marriage is a journey that is best traveled together. When you put your spouse first, you create a strong foundation that make a relationship work.
One way to do this is by setting goals together.
Think about it. When you were dating, you probably made plans for the future. You talked about your dreams and aspirations and what you wanted to achieve. But once you married, those conversations may have fallen by the wayside.
It’s time to bring them back.
Setting goals with your spouse is a great way to grow together. It gives you something to work toward and helps you stay connected. Plus, when you achieve your goals, you get to celebrate together!
Here are some ideas for goals you can set together:
Save Up for a Romantic Getaway
Traveling together is a great way to create memories and strengthen your bond. Pick a place you’ve always wanted to go to and start saving up for it. Make a plan to put aside a certain amount of money each month. It may take some time, but it will be worth it when you finally get to go on that romantic getaway.
Start a New Hobby Together
Trying new things together is a fun way to keep your relationship fresh. Pick a hobby you both enjoy and plan to do it together regularly. It could be anything from cooking to hiking to painting. The important thing is that you’re doing it together.
Learn a New Skill
Learning something new is a great way to challenge yourself and grow. Why not do it with your spouse? Pick a skill you’ve always wanted to learn and make a goal to do it together. It could be learning a new language, taking a dance class, or building something from scratch.
Create a 10-Year Vision
Where do you see yourselves in 10 years? What do you want to achieve together? Sit down and create a vision for your future. Write down your goals, and make a plan to achieve them. Having a clear vision for your future can help you stay focused and motivated.
Remember, setting goals with your spouse is about growing together. It’s not about being perfect or achieving everything on your list. It’s about the journey you take together and the memories you create.
Related Reading: How Couples Can Experience Life Together
8. Putting Your Partner First: Remember What A Partner Is
Putting your partner first in a relationship is crucial to keeping the spark alive. And the secret to doing so? Remembering that your partner is more than just a lover or an Uber for your kids. They are your partner.
When you think of a partner, what comes to mind?
Maybe it’s a teammate in a game, a business partner, or a dance partner. In each of these scenarios, the partners work together to achieve a goal. The same is true in a successful marriage.
But what happens when you’re not working with your spouse?
Maybe you’re both going in different directions or not communicating effectively. Whatever the reason, it can feel like you’re working against each other, even if you don’t mean to.
That’s why it’s so important to prioritize your partner in your everyday life.
9. Unlock the Secret to a Thriving Marriage: Stay Curious About Your Partner
Picture this: You’re sitting across from your partner at the dinner table, but instead of engaging in meaningful conversation, you’re both scrolling through your phones. Sound familiar?
Staying curious about your partner is the key to a long-lasting, fulfilling marriage!
According to the Harvard Gazette, taking an interest in your spouse’s life, passions, and dreams can help keep the spark alive. By asking questions and actively listening to their responses, you not only show them that you care, but you also deepen your connection.
But don’t just take our word for it. The study shows that couples who express interest in each other’s lives are more satisfied in their relationships and have lower divorce rates.
So, how can you stay curious about your partner?
Make an effort to ask open-ended questions about their day, hobbies, and future goals. Show enthusiasm for their interests and be willing to learn more about them.
But don’t forget to share your own life with them as well. A relationship should be a two-way street, so make sure also to open up and let your partner in on your passions and dreams.
You can keep your marriage exciting and fulfilling by staying curious about your partner. So put down your phone, look into your spouse’s eyes, and ask them about their day. Who knows, you might learn something new about the love of your life.