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Making Our Marriage A Priority

Posted by ThePureBed • 1/13/09 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS]
Topics: children, family, husband, intimacy, love, marriage, parent, relationship, Romance, wife

15 years and 5 children later, we have great nostalgia for the time that has passed and are thankful that we were able to create very special moments in our marriage...even in the leanest of times. And we still create such memories, often unknowingly.

Our commitment to each other has demanded we not sacrifice our intimate relationship to our parental relationship nor to other priorities (ministry/work, friendships, etc.).

I'm interested to hear how you keep the energy in your marriages. How do you ensure that relationship is appropriately nourished and its integrity preserved?

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User Comments

  1. 1/13/09
    moneymakersguide
    Wow, congrats on 15 years! I'm still I guess you can say "newlywed" compared to you:)
    [reply]
    1. 1/14/09
      ThePureBed
      How kind of you... Thank you.
  2. 1/14/09
    ThePureBed
    Maybe I should ask the question a different way.

    If you were blogging about marriage what would you tell others about keeping a marriage vital and giving your relationship proper and consistent attention?
    [reply]
  3. 1/14/09
    MidwestMom
    We're approaching ten years at this point, and what seems to work for us is being present. That means being together often enough to be tuned in to the highs and lows that the other person is experiencing.

    We also make a point of trying to do or learn something completely new together every year. That can mean everything from backpacking to taking a pottery class to learning a new language. There is something fantastic about pushing yourself and seeing your partner do the same. No matter how long we're together, it seems we're always learning new things about each other in novel situations.
    [reply]
  4. 1/19/09
    maximalone
    Valentine's Day will be thirty-three years for us. My husband retired two years ago and it's like starting over. Being together 24/7 is a big adjustment.
    Having a hobby works great; gives you a special place to go that is yours alone. Still, you can share the achievement with your partner.
    [reply]
    1. 1/19/09
      ThePureBed
      We honor your 33 years of marriage and find it inspirational. We know multiple couples who have been married between 30 and 60 years. The idea of having a hobby or 'outside' interests is a common theme for retirees who maintain relational success. Longevity in marriage isn't dependent upon a total loss of individuality.

      We pray it is a very happy Valentine's Day for both of you.
  5. 2/01/09
    Audreyisbeyondpink
    Great discussion! My husband and I got married at 21. We have been married almost 13 years. A good example of how getting married early can work well. He is not the typical guy and I'm not the typical girl. I makes it really easy. We have two wonderful girls that are happy and energetic because of the love they see everyday at home. We have always put our friendship, love and family before career, money and stuff.
    We have date night once a week and that's a huge factor in keeping us happy and connected.
    [reply]
  6. 2/14/09
    Lunais
    Great topic! For us, even if we are only newlyweds of 1 year marriage life with 3 years of dating life, we both consider commitment to the paramount bond that keeps our love and marriage sane.

    Sure, intimacy, trust, and love are very important for us but commitment binds everything together we believe.
    [reply]
    1. 2/14/09
      ThePureBed
      We agree. Commitment is essential to a long, healthy and fulfilling marriage. We see commitment to marriage as a personal resolution to make every effort to strengthen the marriage through beneficial and supportive behaviors and actions over a lifetime.
  7. 2/15/09
    Audreyisbeyondpink
    Well put! I like your description. "....beneficial and supportive behaviors and actions over a lifetime". That's exactly it in a sentence. It's making that decision every day, sometimes hour by hour when going through a rough patch. Awesome!
    [reply]
  8. 2/21/09
    RealTalktime
    WOW!!! 15 years and 5 kids, that's a blessing and a lot of work. I pray to get where you are. My husband and I have been together for 6 years but married for 1 and only God gives us the strength to keep it going but I have to say you have to first have the desire in your heart to want to make it last. We make sure to take time for one another and the "D" word is not allowed in our vocabulary.
    [reply]
  10. 6/15/09
    eatfoodrecipe
    cooking will make it all right!

    eatfoodrecipe.blogspot.com/
    [reply]
  11. 8/01/09
    thirdeyewitness
    That's excellent. I just got married in May and my wife and I love hearing stories like this from other couples because they inspire us. In fact, we started a blog documenting our first 100 days and marriage and we would love for you to check it out and share some insights if you choose. Congrats again!

    hisfirst100.blogspot.com
    herfirst100.blogspot.com
    [reply]
  12. 8/12/09
    ohmoma (guest)
    I am open to any advice on keeping my marriage a priority. With 3 kids under 6, sometimes intimacy becomes routine and less important.
    [reply]
  13. 29 days ago
    ubamaka
    Check this article on "How to Build a Family that will Last". It will help keep the energy and integrity preserved.

    familyjewelsandfun.blogspot.com/2009/11/how-to-build-family-which-will-last...
    [reply]

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