Have you given up on your marriage? I realize that every situation is different, that there are problems that you just can not work through (infidelity, abuse and so on). However, it has become too easy to just give up on being married. It is too easy for people to walk away from their families and it seems that more people do it every year. There are situations that can not be saved, and if your spouse is not willing to work on your relationship, then there is not much to do. If you are close on giving up, here are five steps to go through before you walk away.
1) Go to see your bishop. He can give you counsel regarding the matter. He may suggest that you go to marriage counseling or have other suggestions on how to work on your marriage. He may talk about the Atonement and forgiveness. He can give both of you a fresh perspective on the situation.
2) Try to forgive your spouse for the wrongs in the past. Some things are more difficult to forgive than others, but as you forgive you release burdens that are holding you back. It is important to make this a matter of prayer. (It is important to forgive even if you do end up getting divorced.)
3) Look for positive things about your spouse. Compliment your spouse every day. In addition try to do three nice things for your spouse each day. As you do these things, do them without expecting anything in return. As you serve someone your attitude towards that person will change for the better.
4) Take time for each other every day. You can spend time reading the scriptures and praying together. At least once a week go on a date. Spend time learning about each other’s interests. Sometimes you can lose track of knowing each other in the rush of day to day life. Take time to go to the temple together on a regular basis.
5) Make it a matter of prayer. It is important to seriously pray about a decision that is this serious. Before you leave make sure that you get a confirmation from the Lord that it is the right thing to do
Related Articles:
Working Through the Difficult Times in Your Marriage
The Atonement and Forgiveness in Marriage
For more tips and articles on marriage visit the Marriage Blog.