{"id":19635,"date":"2017-12-15T10:30:33","date_gmt":"2017-12-15T10:30:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=19635"},"modified":"2023-01-28T19:56:32","modified_gmt":"2023-01-28T19:56:32","slug":"put-your-marriage-above-all-other-relationships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/put-your-marriage-above-all-other-relationships\/","title":{"rendered":"Why You Should Put Your Marriage Above All Other Relationships"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"Marriage<\/p>\n

Couples marry for love, typically.  They’ve found their soulmates and are ready to spend the rest of their lives living happily ever after.  In the beginning of their union, they make their marriage a priority.  However, many couples forget to continue to put their marriage first once they have children, and that leads to higher divorce rates among empty nesters.  <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>The empty nest syndrome<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

Suddenly after two decades, the kids are gone and you can’t remember why you married each other in the first place. You’ve become roommates<\/a> and have forgotten what it was like to be partners and lovers. <\/span><\/p>\n

Most couples report a significant decrease in their marital satisfaction after the birth of their children. This is why marriage should come before children. <\/span>Putting your spouse first does not diminish the love you have for your children. It actually enhances it, as long as you show love to them as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>Put your marriage first<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

Putting marriage first may be a difficult concept to wrap one’s head around, but it is essential to the health of the marriage.  By not making the union a priority, couples tend to neglect the needs of one another.  Feelings of resentment may begin to foster<\/a>, eroding the quality of the couple’s connection.  <\/span><\/p>\n

It is certainly controversial to say marriage should be your first priority over your children.  Children’s basic needs are of course a priority and must be met. Neglecting their physical and emotional health and wellbeing is not only bad parenting but abusive.  You don’t have to choose between being a good parent and a good partner.  Finding the right balance is the key.  <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>Little things<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

Making your spouse feel loved and cherished can be simple and sweet.  It’s those little things that matter and make your partner feel like the number one priority.<\/span><\/p>\n