4 Ways To Improve Your Marriage In 4 Minutes

Life is busy, but I’ve got some good news…If you’ve got four minutes to spare, you can improve your marriage. Seriously.

My wife, Ashley, and I love serving other couples and helping them discover new ways to strengthen their marriages. Helping other couples has actually done wonders for helping to strengthen our own relationship! One truth we’ve discovered along the way is that while big investments like marriage retreats or romantic vacations can infuse the marriage with new energy, it’s the little things that often make the biggest difference.

If you are serious about improving your marriage, I encourage you to start with the four simple steps below. They are quick and free, but they can still have a powerful impact.

hold hands

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Each of these items should only take a minute, so by doing all four, you’ll be improving your marriage in four minutes or less:

1. Send your spouse a short “love letter” via text message

It doesn’t have to be long and it doesn’t even have to be spelled correctly! By taking the time to send a text, you’re communicating thoughtfulness and also bringing some powerful encouragement by sharing positive words of adoration and affirmation with your spouse. You’ll be amazed what a simple gesture like this can do to spark stronger romance, intimacy and security within your marriage.

If you’re not sure where to start, just send something like this (in your own words):

“I just want you to know that I am so thankful that you’re my husband/wife! I love you so much. Let’s make out as soon as I get home. :)”

2. Scroll through your phone and delete any contacts who are a negative voice in your life.

Once you’ve sent your spouse the text message, since you’ve already got your phone out, it’s time to do some housekeeping. Your friends can have a tremendous impact on your life and your marriage, so be willing to surround yourself with people who will strengthen your marriage and remove yourself from people who might attempt to weaken or undermine your marriage.

3. Cut up your credit cards.

You probably weren’t expecting this one. Once you’ve cleaned out your phone contacts and sent the text message, reach into your wallet and throw away any credit cards (don’t cut up your debit cards). Making a drastic step towards eliminating debt in your marriage will cause some adjustments in spending, but in the long run, it will bring so much peace to your lives and your marriage!

4. Say a prayer for your spouse.

Maybe you’ve never done this, but try it now. Thank God for your husband/wife and ask Him to bless your spouse and your marriage. I’m convinced that the more you invite God into your marriage, the stronger and richer your relationship will become!

For more tools to build a rock-solid marriage, check out our bestselling book, iVow: Secrets to a Stronger Marriage which is now also available on iTunes for Download on iPhones, iPads and all Apple devices.