If your marriage has recently fallen into a slump, don’t worry – this happens to a lot of people. In fact, this could be considered a normal part of marriage. It signifies that something needs to be changed or improved upon so that the marriage can maintain its passion.
Unfortunately, the slump could also be indicative that the marriage isn’t working anymore. If that’s the case, it’s more than likely that both partners are feeling the same way. Open communication is the best (and the only) way to work through an issue like this.
Here are some things that you can do to work through a marriage slump. Most of them involve improving your communication skills.
- Be Open and Honest
The first thing to do would be to openly and honestly try to figure out what’s causing the slump. In fact, if you’re not communicating openly and honestly as a rule, this is probably – in some way, shape, or form – what’s contributing to your slump in your first place.
If you’re sharing a life with someone, you need to be 100% honest with them. About everything. Even – especially – the things you don’t want to be honest about. Otherwise, they will come back to bite you in the butt.
- Use “I” Statements
If you find that the two of you are frequently argumentative or passive agressive with each other, try using “I” statements. Beginning a sentence with “I” prevents you from immediately attacking the other person, and will ensure better communication.
If it’s a bit difficult at first to use “I” statements, then good. Having to spend a few seconds formulating a sentence means that you’re on the right path and that you won’t overreact.
- Go on Dates
One of the best ways to reinvigorate a boring marriage is to go on dates again! In fact, they’re more important than you think. Bring your spouse out on a date that you think they’ll enjoy, or find something new that the two of you could enjoy together.
- Meditate Together
Meditating on its own can have tremendous benefits in a relationship, and if you’re not already meditating, I’d recommend that you do so. Meditation ‘lengthens the fuse,’ so to speak, meaning you’ll be less eager to react with anger or get irritated.
Meditating together would, naturally, extend these benefits to the both of you. Consider attending a guided meditation class together.
- Give More
One of the best ways to get more out of your relationship is to give more. If you’re focused on what you’re not receiving, turn the focus towards yourself and decide to give more, and more. You get what you give!