There are difficult times in any relationship, just as there are difficult times in every person’s life. If you or your spouse are going through a difficult time in your lives, it is especially important to take time to strengthen and maintain your marriage relationship. If you are working together as a couple, this will help your children to feel safe, secure and strong. Here are five suggestions on how you can support your spouse during a difficult time in his life or in your marriage.
1. Pray for him. This will make a difference in the way that you feel about him and the way you treat him. Often when people are struggling through a difficult situation they lash out at the people closest to them. This can cause resentment and bitter feelings, if you pray for your spouse sincerely and regularly, you can do a lot to prevent these bitter feelings from arising.
2. Take time to do the things that your spouse wants you to. Just showing an interest in his activities or interests can show how much you care about him. It can help him to feel loved and appreciated. This is especially important during difficult times. Find ways for your children to show these interests and support as well.
3. If your spouse is struggling with his testimony, it is important that you continue to attend church and have family prayer. You can invite him to participate at the level that he his comfortable with. For example, he may be okay with doing a family activity without the lesson or in participating in family prayer, but not scripture study. Talk about this with your spouse in private, so it is not an issue that the children are involved in. Do not nag your spouse, as this can create very negative feelings towards you and the church.
4. Take the time to do the small quiet acts of kindness for your spouse. You can send a little love note to him at work or give him a massage after a long day of work. These small acts can improve your marriage as well as his self-esteem.
5. Refrain from talking negatively about your spouse to anyone. If you are frustrated pray about what you should do. Dwelling on the negative aspects of your spouse will only intensify a bad situation. For every negative thought you have list two good qualities that you appreciate in your spouse. Try to make them different every single time.
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