I thought it important to pass on some research from Sharon J. Leigh and Janet A. Clark, found on a University of Missouri website concerning, “Characteristics of a Happy and Satisfying Marriage.” I have taken a few excerpts from the article that I hope you find exceedingly helpful.  More than anything else I pray that your marriages prosper beyond belief.

POSITIVITY
John Gottman, one of the nation's leading experts on marital relationships, has found that the main difference between stable and unstable marriages is the amount of positive thoughts and actions spouses engage in toward each other.  There are many ways to foster positivity in a marriage. Being affectionate, truly listening to each other, taking joy in each other's achievements and being playful, are just a few examples of positive interactions that help make marriages successful.

EMPATHY
Another characteristic of happy marriages is empathy. Empathy means understanding a person's perspective by putting oneself in his or her shoes. People are more likely to feel good about their marriage and spouse if their partner expresses empathy towards them.

COMMITMENT
Successful marriages involve both spouses' commitment to the relationship. Husbands and wives who only focus on themselves and their own desires are not as likely to find joy and satisfaction in their relationships. However, when spouses are committed to investing in their marriage and are willing to sacrifice some of their own preferences for the good of the relationship, they usually have high-quality marriages.

ACCEPTANCE
One of the most basic needs in a relationship is acceptance. Everyone wants to feel valued and respected. Often, there is conflict in marriage because partners cannot accept the individual preferences of their spouses and try to demand change from one another. When one person tries to force change from another, he or she is usually met with resistance. However, research has shown that change is much more likely to occur when spouses respect differences and accept each other unconditionally.

MUTUAL LOVE AND RESPECT
Perhaps the most important components of successful marriages are love and respect for each other. The fact is, as time passes and life becomes increasingly complicated, the marriage often suffers as a result. It is all too easy for spouses to lose touch with each other and neglect the love and romance that once came so easily.

If you would like to read the entire article, go to the following link.

http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/hesguide/humanrel/gh6610.htm

Leigh, Sharon J.? and Clark, Janet A. “Characteristics of a Happy and Satisfying Marriage."University of Missouri Extension May 2000 University of Missouri. http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/hesguide/humanrel/gh6610.htm