When you said “I do,” you probably didn’t realize it came with:

• A 24/7 job description
• A PhD in patience
• Occasional emergency therapy sessions—one for you, one for your spouse

Marriage is a lot of work. (Like, more than anyone admits when you’re staring into each other’s dreamy eyes at the altar.)

Fairy tale endings? They don’t just magically happen. If you’re not careful, “I do” turns into “I won’t”, which eventually turns into…well, let’s just say “farewell.”

So what can you do if your relationship is struggling? Here are seven tips to start turning things around—one for each day of the week.

---

1) Remember: True love doesn’t control

Your spouse is not your personal project. The only person you can truly change is…you. Focus on yourself first.
(Yes, it’s less fun than critiquing your partner, but trust me—this works.)

---

2) Decide your marriage is worth saving

Divorce may be an option, but if you keep the “escape hatch” open, restoration becomes impossible. Decide that your relationship is good enough to fight for—even on the messy days.

---

3) Invite something bigger into your relationship

Whether you call it grace, patience, or just the power of perspective, find a source of strength that reminds you both why you’re together.
(Even if your spouse isn’t on board, you can start with yourself—small actions often ripple.)

---

4) Make respect your top priority

Mean words and “getting even” only make things worse. Instead, try reframing complaints as invitations:

Instead of: “You never make time for me or the kids!”
Try: “Remember that fun trip we took together? Let’s plan something like that again!”

A little positivity goes a long way.

---

5) Listen to understand, not to argue

Listening doesn’t mean agreeing—it means truly understanding. Think of your spouse as your friend first, partner second. Show kindness, offer support, and genuinely care.

---

6) Talk every day

Even 10 minutes of uninterrupted conversation can deepen intimacy. It stops drift before it happens—or reconnects you if you’ve already drifted.

---

7) Have fun together

Marriage is serious—but it’s also supposed to be fun! Take a walk, go on a drive, or just laugh together. Shared joy is the glue that keeps you close.

---

There you have it: seven tips, one for each day of the week.

Start trying them tomorrow. Watch your love and intimacy deepen. Remember why you went mad about marriage in the first place—and maybe even fall in love all over again (with a little humor, a lot of patience, and daily effort).