A thriving marriage

Laura M. Brotherson's article "Happily Married Couples Needed" in Mormon Times was a good reminder about how important it is to do things which will help to make my marriage not only be successful, but also to thrive. Sometimes I get so caught up in the busy day-to-day activities that I forget to do those things which will bring sunshine into my marriage and also my spouse's life.

Here are some keys she gives to help a marriage thrive.

• By accepting self and spouse we focus on the positives in each other and I express gratitude about the good things in my spouse.
  
• Emotional connection means an ongoing, open and honest sharing of thoughts and feelings.
• Being playful and sharing humor also requires taking time out for each other, like having a weekly date.
• A non-sexual touch shows affection and is a key to having a marriage thrive.
  
• Non-sexual touch builds to sexual intimacy.
• A desire for personal growth - to continue to grow - allows me to keep in tune and meet my spouse's personal needs.
• Life is a shared spiritual journey that leads to something greater than self.
  

She concludes:

"Thriving in marriage doesn't mean that everything is perfect, but it does mean that you willingly work through the challenges that arise, and make it a priority to make your spouse and your marriage a priority."

"Allowing others to see the love you have for your spouse and the joy you feel in your marriage is one of the ways you can let your light shine and restore some of the luster to the institution of marriage."