HOW NOT TO HAVE A HAPPY MARRIAGE
o Stop holding hands in public
o Forget to say... " Thank You "
o Forget to say... " I Love You "
o Argue about money
o Stop being spontaneous
o Plan to do every thing except going to Church.
(You remember Church... most couples were married there? )
o When you find someone you trust to talk about your marriage problems, allow someone else to discourage you from talking to that person for their own personal reasons, i.e " are you sure they are as qualified as I am. "
o Stop giving each other a kiss in public.
o Stop talking to your spouse about your day.
o Play the blame game over the small things.
o Question lateness
o Stop laughing together
o Stop crying together
o Stay angry
o Never forgive
o Always remind your spouse about " the last time " they did what ever they did that upset you.
o Stop taking a vacation together, even if it's that two day get away.
o Stop bringing her flowers.
o Stop sitting next to him when watching TV.
o Stop discussing " stuff " that makes you both sad.
o Let the dishwasher steal your time together.
o Stop praying together at home.
o Insult your spouse in public.
o Instill distrust by opening your spouses mail.
o Come home from a day of work intoxicated.
o Take your spouse to dinner and flirt with the waitress.
o Have a private lunch with a co-worker of the opposite sex.
o Complain that, " it's your job around here, not mine. "
o Stop giving each other a hug. ( See " Stop being spontaneous, " listed above. )
o Stop looking at your wedding photos because, " we were so young then. "
o Call your spouse " stupid " in front of others.
o Stop chasing each other around the house for fun.
o Stop being those fun people who use to say, " I'm so glad I found you... and... " God sure blessed me when He placed you in my life. "
These are just a few of the things that couples have shared with me that help breakdown what was once a happy marriage. As one couple suggested, " we sat and talked about how we first met and our first few dates; the anticipation of seeing each other; being together; recapturing the passion and excitement that grew into loving each other. That plus acknowledging God in our relationship is what helped us help each other save our relationship, our marriage - that union of our spirits which God had blessed and joined together."
All the best,
Joe Buccheri