Three Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Marriage

Christopher “Chris” Hilken is a pastor and marriage counselor in Vista, California, and a graduate of Concordia University. Besides officiating at weddings, Chris Hilken provides premarital counseling and support for couples after marriage. He is also a public speaker and has given talks at a number of conferences. As a premarital counselor, he also teaches about marriage best practices. Following are three tips that can help a marriage stay fresh and alive.

It is important that both spouses watch their waistline, because many wedded couples relax and forget to keep fit. Larger waistlines can lead to general ill health, and also lead to trouble in terms of sexual attraction. And obesity can be contagious. One study found that the chances of becoming obese increase by 37 percent if your partner is obese.

Practice honesty at all times, even when you feel ashamed of something you’ve done. For example, if you have spent beyond your budget or wasted family funds and you find yourself hiding the information from your spouse, it will be much easier to maintain their trust if the incident is disclosed honestly and promptly.

This last tip is particularly important for newlyweds. You don’t want a domestic space that resembles a hotel or office where you are just passing through. Create an atmosphere where both spouses look forward to spending much of their time (and the rest of their lives) together. This means creating a home together, and not just sharing a house.