When we think about investing, we’re usually talking about money, right? Save a little here, save a little there, add some compounding interest and voila. With some foresight, effort, and a little sacrifice, you can build a stronger portfolio.

Applying those same principles to your marriage can make it stronger, as well.

Foresight. We commit to love the person we marry for better or for worse but let’s face it: love is easier when life is easier. Making it through the “worse” times takes commitment. Commit to respect each other and commit to communicate regularly and meaningfully. By doing so during good times, you create a framework for more conversations during more difficult times. When you’re able to openly communicate with your spouse, you can weather an awful lot together.

Effort. We all know that marriage isn’t the fairy tale portrayed in movies. Sometimes, though, marriage just seems like so much work! That’s reality. Marriage is work, but remember that work doesn’t have to equal drudgery. Work can be fun. Make time for your spouse. Put energy into doing activities together. Explore your similarities and differences and find ways to grow together. As spouses, we should also encourage each other in the pursuit of individual hobbies. We’re all more interesting when we’re learning. Be interested. Be interesting. Take the time and make the effort to grow together, and individually, and your marriage will reap the benefits.

Sacrifice. Marriage takes two entirely different beings and thrusts them together, not just in the ideological and physical sense, but in the day-to-day trenches, too. We all have systems that work for us (I make lists!), and personality quirks that are part of what makes us who we are. As wives, we need to understand that our way may not work best for our husbands. And husbands must understand that their way may not work best for us. That’s okay. Learn to be flexible and take the best you both have to offer. When we work together, rather than pushing against each other, life goes more smoothly. Try to remember: it’s not all about you. Darn it.

photo credit: Clip Art from Microsoft Office Online