How to Save a Marriage - Foundational Principles

Half of all marriages end in divorce and half of those that don't are unhappy and unproductive. If you are worried about your marriage and want to make it better and even save your marriage then you are better off than two thirds of the population! Contemplating filing for divorce should not be your first step when you get to this point. Most of these steps require both partners to be fully committed to saving the relationship, but starting these steps alone can also begin the process of saving your marriage. When both partners are asking can this marriage be saved or how can I save my relationship, counseling can provide an objective third party to offer advice and counsel. If you partner isn't yet committed to saving your marriage then by all means start off alone. Counseling is the first step to avoiding divorce and saving your marriage. All marriages, even the happiest come with ups and downs and take a lot of work by both spouses. There are bound to be difficult times, and perhaps a few issues that could become deal breakers if not dealt with early on. For a marriage to succeed, couples must learn to deal with whatever life brings along. They have to commit to overcoming their problems. You don't expect it from yourself and you shouldn't expect it from your partner. Everyone makes mistakes, so work with your partner to overcome the problems you face and you will both realize it is possible to "save my marriage. The ability to communicate effectively with your spouse is vital. Begin with total and loving honesty with your partner. To make this work both partners have to be willing to accept compromise which can be difficult at times but is absolutely necessary for a successful marriage. Saving your marriage and making your marriage work depends on your collective ability to compromise. All of the above steps illustrate your commitment to your marriage and to each other. Marriage is the ultimate lifetime day to day commitment. It is much more permanent and of higher quality. The only time to ponder ending your marriage is if you feel there is truly no hope. Fortunately it takes a long time to get to this point. If you want to say "I saved my marriage" then commitment is your microphone. If the damage is too extensive and the hurt too deep then divorce can be a logical option. Divorce should always be your last option, and when you have repaired your relationship and are feeling happiness in your marriage then you can say: “Yes, I can save my marriage!”