It Only Takes 5 Hours Each Week To Be A Happier Couple

I have a great idea for you just in time to celebrate National Spouse Day!

There are many studies that show that intimate relationships like marriage are the single most important source of life satisfaction. Martin E. P. Seligman “aka the father of happiness” of the University of Pennsylvania has done research that has shown that thriving couples accentuate the positive in life more than those who stay together unhappily or split up. Happy couples cope during life’s difficulties but also celebrate happy moments and look to build more positivity in their marriage.

[bctt tweet=”It is all about positivity, which is the secret to being truly happy.” username=”@cherebork”]
Celebrating 35 years!

Gary chuckles when I announce we are going to “work on our marriage.” Over our thirty plus years of marriage I have cajoled Gary into doing many activities so we communicate better and each feel more cherished. Some of the marriage courses I forced him to take did not turn out too well. One in particular messed up our marriage.

However, the following 5 hour formula seems to be Gary’s favorite let’s work on our marriage activity. He seems to enjoy walking in the door and then I announce “It is reunion time” and we quickly embrace in a loving hug and plop a big kiss on each other. We have smiles on our faces and on our hearts!

 

 

 

 

Here are 5 easy ways you can spend 5 hours improving your marriage each week.

❤️ Partings
Before these couples say goodbye every morning, they find out one thing that each is going to do that day
2 minutes x 5 days = 10 minutes
(This does not happen often as Gary is up at 5 am and headed to the chilly swimming pool or gym for his work out and there is no way I am going to get up at this hour.)

❤️ Reunions
At the end of each workday, the couples have a low-stress reunion conversation.
20 minutes x 5 days = 1 hour, 40 minutes

❤️ Affection
Touching, grabbing, holding and kissing—all laced with tenderness and forgiveness.
5 minutes x 7 days = 35 minutes

❤️ One Weekly Date
Just the two of you in a relaxed atmosphere, updating your love.
2 hours once a week

❤️ Admiration and Appreciation
Every day, genuine affection and appreciation is given at least once.
5 minutes x 7 days = 35 minutes

Every anniversary Gary gives me a dozen red roses! It sure helps me feel appreciated!

 

Give it a try. I often make a copy of this happiness activity and place it in wedding cards. 

What do you do to make your marriage happier? Gary and I can’t wait to hear as we always need new ideas!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Source: Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment by Dr. Martin E. Seligman