Popsugar Parenting Relationship Advice Ways to Keep Your Marriage Strong 10 Ways We Keep Our Marriage Strong After 10 Years 24 May 2018 by Marisa Hillman Image Source: Unsplash/Ryan Holloway My husband and I have been together for 13 years, and have been married for 10. We've had some amazing years filled with lots of laughter, life-changing adventures, and three children, and we've also had a handful of years filled with heartache and loss, which, I'll be totally honest, almost broke us. But throughout our time together, it feels like we've been through it all, and our relationship has only gotten better with time. Here are the top ten things we do to keep our marriage going strong. 1 Respect One Another Image Source: Unsplash/Andre Revilo We respect each other's differences, needs, desires, and concerns. Frequently offer up words of encouragement, acknowledgment, and appreciation to your spouse for both the things they do and for who they are. 1 / 9 2 Talk Image Source: Unsplash/Raw Pixel And not just about the kids! Like, really talk to each other. My husband and I talk about everything from the weather (boring, I know) to crazy ideas that are sure to turn us into millionaires if we only took the time to pursue them. Related: Asking My Spouse These 2 Questions Every Week Keeps Our Bond Strong 2 / 9 3 Laugh Image Source: Unsplash/Priscilla Du Preez Laughter really is the best medicine. Plan a night out at your local comedy club, or cozy up on the couch with a funny movie. If watching someone else isn't your thing, corny jokes and old-fashioned pillow fights work just as well. 3 / 9 4 Date Each Other Image Source: Unsplash/Sept Commercial We take turns planning date nights. Sometimes it's dinner and a movie. Other times it's ice cream and a stroll up and down the aisles of Target. It doesn't matter where we go, as long as we're out together. 4 / 9 5 Be a United Front Image Source: Unsplash/Aaron Blanco Tejedor We are a team. It's as simple as that. When it comes to decision making, planning, or dealing with family drama, always make sure you and your spouse are on the same page and approach every situation as a united front. 5 / 9 6 Maintain Your Own Sense of Self Image Source: Unsplash/Kelsey Chance We love spending time together, but we also need time away from each other every now and again. Allowing each other the freedom to take a day or night to ourselves gives us the opportunity to reset, and it gives us another reason to appreciate what we have. 6 / 9 7 Fight Image Source: Unsplash/Andre Hunter We fight. Over the course of our relationship, we've learned how to carefully choose our words, be sensible, and work to find some common ground. Remember that both sides can't always get what they want, and comprise is key. 7 / 9 8 Be Each Other's Biggest Supporter Image Source: Unsplash/Pablo Heimplatz Validate your spouse with encouraging words. When they succeed, share in their excitement. When they fail, lift them up. Support them in their choices, and never forget to let them know that you're proud of them. 8 / 9 9 Be Each Other's Best Friend Image Source: Unsplash/Matheus Ferrero Remember that this is the person with whom you have chosen to spend your life. Be their cheerleader, their sounding board, and their confidante. But most importantly, be their friend. 9 / 9 Relationship AdviceParentingSexMarriageLoveRelationships