

{"id":74361,"date":"2022-02-01T16:05:58","date_gmt":"2022-02-01T16:05:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=74361"},"modified":"2024-10-29T13:59:26","modified_gmt":"2024-10-29T13:59:26","slug":"ways-to-prioritize-your-spouse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/marriage-fitness\/ways-to-prioritize-your-spouse\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Prioritize Your Spouse in Marriage: 17 Effective Ways"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-74365\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/New-Project-2022-02-01T212430.848.jpg\" alt=\"Cheerful positive young man and women\" width=\"805\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Managing your priorities becomes more complicated as you enter different stages of your life. That&rsquo;s why it&rsquo;s so important to learn how to prioritize your spouse, as they are a significant part of your life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When dating, you try to balance time with your partner and friends. As newlyweds, you may struggle with whether to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/showing-attention-to-your-spouse\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">give your attention to your spouse<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or parents. If you have children, your priorities shift once again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But what if your partner feels they&rsquo;ve been lost in the shuffle? Should your spouse be your priority? What does it mean to put your spouse first? Let&rsquo;s understand!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-does-it-mean-to-prioritize-your-spouse\"><\/span><b>What does it mean to prioritize your spouse?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/yNY3YAC2my0?si=LMW8q8X6FShUkuZi\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">&#65279;<\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By definition, a priority is something that takes importance in your life. When you make your spouse a priority, it means you are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/putting-your-spouse\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">putting your partner first in a relationship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dr. John Gottman, a well-known licensed couples therapist, says<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make small, daily gestures of love and appreciation towards your spouse. These can include compliments, acts of kindness, or simply spending quality time together. By consistently showing your partner that they are a priority, you can strengthen your relationship and deepen your connection.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> These are <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">some<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">things that<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prioritize<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">relationships<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does a prioritized marriage mean that you have to take a backseat to the wants and needs of your spouse? Not exactly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It means you are making room for your partner&rsquo;s needs and desires right alongside your own. After all, as a married couple, you are a team, and teams work together.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who-should-come-first-Your-parents-or-your-spouse\"><\/span><b>Who should come first: Your parents or your spouse?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are close to your parents, you have probably spent your life asking them for advice and coming to them with your questions and problems.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&rsquo;s great to be close to your parents; they&rsquo;ve known you much longer than your spouse. So, you may wonder: Should your spouse be your priority over your parents?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember that when you marry, the dynamics naturally shift. Your spouse becomes your primary partner in life&rsquo;s journey, and together, you build a new family unit.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Of course, it doesn&rsquo;t diminish the love or respect you have for your parents, but it does mean that your spouse&rsquo;s needs, privacy, and opinions hold a special place in your decision-making process.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&rsquo;s about finding a balance that respects your roots and the life you are building with your spouse, ensuring your marital relationship thrives in a supportive and understanding environment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"17-ways-to-make-your-spouse-a-priority\"><\/span><b>17 ways to make your spouse a priority<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You have promised to stand by your partner, and now you are looking for ways to make them feel special, so don&rsquo;t lose heart. Here are 17 ways that can help you make your spouse a priority.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Express gratitude to your spouse<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feel free to start small if you are just learning how to prioritize your spouse. You can make your spouse a priority by going out of your way to express gratitude to them.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><div class=\"research_highlight\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/record\/2017-15232-001\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> shows that married partners who express gratitude regularly had greater relationship satisfaction, higher levels of intimacy, support for goal pursuits, and greater relationship investment and commitment than couples who did not express their appreciation to one another.<\/p><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Remember the meaning of partnership<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Learning how to put your partner first in a relationship isn&rsquo;t always easy. After all, you likely have other things going on in your life, such as friends, family, and maybe even children.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can learn how to prioritize your partner over your family by remembering they aren&rsquo;t just your lover but your partner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A partner is someone who is working WITH you. It&rsquo;s a cooperative effort between two people who want to achieve a goal &ndash; in this case, having <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/15-key-secrets-to-a-successful-marriage\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a successful marriage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If you&rsquo;re not working with your spouse, it probably means you&rsquo;re working against them, even if you don&rsquo;t mean to.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Notice your partner<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another way you can make your wife a priority is to notice the little things about her. This seems small, but when you prioritize someone, you show them that their concerns are important to you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you notice what&rsquo;s happening in your spouse&rsquo;s life, you make their happiness and goals a shared experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/how-to-get-your-husband-to-notice-you\/\" title=\"How to Get Your Husband to Notice You &#8211; 15 Ways to Get His Attention\">How to Get Your Husband to Notice You &#8211; 15 Ways to Get His Attention<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h3><b>4. Take their side<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can make your spouse a priority by taking their side when they are in a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/8-common-problems-in-married-life\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">conflict outside of the marriage.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-74364\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/New-Project-2022-02-01T212242.713.jpg\" alt=\"Unsmiling couple talking to each other\" width=\"805\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loyalty is essential to a loving, lasting marriage. Even if you don&rsquo;t necessarily agree with your spouse on a matter, support them and strive to understand their feelings. Sticking by your spouse shows that you are putting your partner first in a relationship, no matter what.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. Imagine your future<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When figuring out why your spouse should come first, ask yourself what you want your future to look like. Your partner IS your future. When you&rsquo;re old and grey, it won&rsquo;t be your kids, parents, or hobbies that will be cuddling up to you at night.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are not the things you are sharing an intimate life with. So, instead of getting distracted, work on putting your partner first and solidify your future as a couple.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>6. Send them text messages<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does it mean to put your spouse first? It means making them feel special. One tip for how to prioritize your spouse is to text them. And we don&rsquo;t mean the old &ldquo;Sending you three smiley faces because I can&rsquo;t think of anything better to say&rdquo; texts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We mean authentic texts. Make your wife a priority by letting her know you think about her throughout the day. Ask her how she&rsquo;s doing. Tell her you can&rsquo;t wait to see her when you get home. Make her feel loved.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/communication\/understanding-the-dynamics-of-texting-in-a-relationships\/\" title=\"What Are the Different Texting Types in Relationships\u2014and How Do They Affect\">What Are the Different Texting Types in Relationships\u2014and How Do They Affect<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h3><b>7. Find a balance<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most significant ways to prioritize your spouse is to figure out your work\/life balance. Naturally, work will require your attention, but your work distractions should stop when you walk through the front door (or out of your home office.)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Putting your partner first in a relationship can be accomplished if you find a balance that makes sense for your family.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>8. Ask their opinion before you make plans<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Should you always put your spouse first? Not necessarily, but it is good to come to your husband or wife before making plans. If your friend asks you to go out for the evening, make your wife a priority by asking her first.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don&rsquo;t think of it as asking for permission, but rather, being courteous to your partner. Letting her know what you&rsquo;re thinking of doing for the evening gives her time to make her plans or adjust her schedule accordingly.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/things-to-do-as-a-couple\/\" title=\"25 Romantic Things to Do as a Couple\">25 Romantic Things to Do as a Couple<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h3><b>9. Understand why your spouse should come first<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does it mean to put your spouse first? It means putting them above your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/hobbies-to-strengthen-relationship\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hobbies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, friends, and other responsibilities. It may sound harsh. After all, you love your hobbies, friends, and family.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But understand that putting your partner first in a relationship doesn&rsquo;t mean neglecting the other things that are important to you. Making your spouse a priority means taking the time to show your spouse they are essential.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>10. Make time for real conversations<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One great way to make your spouse a priority is by giving them your time. Prioritize your wife by arranging regular date nights and keeping all the distractions such as phone and television away during that time.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>A licensed psychologist and certified coach <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/experts\/silvana-mici\">Silvana Mici<\/a> says,<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discover your spouse&rsquo;s love language and make an effort to speak it regularly. Whether it&rsquo;s words of affirmation, acts of service, gifts, quality time, or physical touch, understanding and speaking your partner&rsquo;s love language can help them feel valued and appreciated.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><div class=\"research_highlight\"><p><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8320759\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> shows that time spent together in an intimate relationship can help boost sexual intimacy, improve communication, and bring excitement back into your marriage.<\/p><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>11. Respect them and their decisions<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of your biggest priorities in marriage should be showing respect. When you respect your partner, you open the door to mutual respect and understanding, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/boundaries-in-marriage\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">uphold healthy boundaries<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and work together during the conflict.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-74363\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/New-Project-2022-02-01T212355.164.jpg\" alt=\"Lesbian couple talking to each other\" width=\"805\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<h3><b>12. Make goals together<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does it mean to put your spouse first? It means growing together. Making your partner a priority means coming together and creating goals you can work toward.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These could be:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/importance-of-date-night-in-a-marriage\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having a regular date night<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Saving up for a romantic getaway<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Starting a new hobby together<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shared goals ensure that you continue to grow together over time and strengthen your partnership.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>13. Stay curious about your partner<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One way you can make your spouse a priority is by asking questions about them. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/news.harvard.edu\/gazette\/story\/2018\/02\/scientists-find-a-few-surprises-in-their-study-of-love\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Harvard Gazette reports<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that staying curious about your spouse is one of the keys to keeping your love alive. Make your wife a priority and strengthen your marriage by staying curious about her.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>14. Ask for their opinion<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does it mean to put your spouse first? It means taking the time to ask for their opinion on important matters. Both partners should be involved in big changes affecting the marriage, such as moving, taking a new job, or accepting social plans.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/priorities-of-newlyweds-for-happy-marriage\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">priorities in marriage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may not be the same as your partner&rsquo;s. It&rsquo;s always good to come together as a couple and discuss big plans before making firm decisions. This shows love and respect and is one step in the right direction toward putting your partner first in a relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>15. Be willing to sacrifice<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, putting your partner first in a relationship means you must cancel plans or sacrifice your free time to be there for them. Make your wife a priority by showing her that you will always be there for her, no matter what.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/sacrifice-in-a-relationship\/\" title=\"How Important Is Sacrifice in a Relationship? Can It Be Too Much?\">How Important Is Sacrifice in a Relationship? Can It Be Too Much?<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h3><b>16. Celebrate their achievements and support their goals<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Making your spouse a priority means being their biggest fan. Celebrate their successes, no matter how small, and show genuine interest and support for their goals and ambitions.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Such encouragement not only boosts their confidence but also strengthens the bond between you, as it shows you&rsquo;re invested in their happiness and future.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><div class=\"research_highlight\"><p>One <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1177\/0011000015584066\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found that the positive emotions of a celebrator were influenced by the positive reaction of the discloser, mediating the relationship between the number of celebrations and positive emotions. More celebrations and feeling authentic during celebrations also predicted higher positive emotions.<\/p><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By celebrating their achievements and supporting their dreams, you reinforce the idea that you&rsquo;re partners in every aspect of life, working together toward mutual success and fulfillment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check out this episode of Relationship Theory, where Tom and Lisa reveal the secret code they use to support and encourage each other&rsquo;s personal growth:<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tL2PIUJuVL4?si=xhmofO45ko8du6Di\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">&#65279;<\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3><b>17. Practice patience and understanding<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In any relationship, especially marriage, patience and understanding are crucial. Prioritizing your spouse means making an effort to understand their perspective, even when it differs from yours. It involves being patient with their faults and recognizing that everyone has bad days.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By showing patience and striving to understand your partner&rsquo;s feelings and actions, you create a safe and supportive environment for both of you to grow and manage life&rsquo;s challenges together. This approach encourages a deeper connection and mutual respect, which are essential for a lasting and loving marriage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span><b>FAQs<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prioritizing relationships can be complex. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions on the topic:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Is it healthy to prioritize your partner?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, prioritizing your partner enables a strong, supportive relationship, enhancing emotional connectivity and mutual respect. A healthy partnership needs to show your commitment and value your shared life together without neglecting your personal well-being or other meaningful relationships.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Should your spouse be your first priority?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Making your spouse your first priority strengthens your marital bond, promotes mutual respect, and nurtures a lasting, loving relationship. It signifies the importance of your partnership in daily life and decision-making, balancing this with personal and familial responsibilities.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>What do you do when your wife doesn&rsquo;t make you a priority?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Communicate openly about your feelings and concerns. Discuss the importance of prioritizing each other in the relationship. Seek to understand any underlying issues or conflicts and work together on solutions to ensure both partners feel valued and important.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Who should be the priority after marriage?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After marriage, your spouse generally becomes your top priority, symbolizing the commitment and partnership you&rsquo;ve agreed to nurture. This doesn&rsquo;t mean neglecting other relationships but rather balancing them with the primary focus on supporting and building a life with your partner.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"To-sum-up\"><\/span><b>To sum up<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Putting your partner first in a relationship isn&rsquo;t always easy, but when you make your spouse a priority, you show them that you love and respect them. Should you always put your spouse first, or should your spouse be your first priority? If you treasure your marriage, then yes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Show your partner they are essential to you by communicating regularly, making time for real conversations, and looking for little ways to make their day.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/experts\/silvana-mici\">Silvana Mici<\/a> adds,<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, making your spouse a priority involves being attentive, affectionate, and empathetic towards their needs and feelings. It&rsquo;s about consistently showing love, appreciation, and support in both big gestures and everyday moments.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always remember, a prioritized marriage is a happy marriage. Putting your spouse first in a marriage isn&rsquo;t always easy, but it is always worth it.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":""},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Managing your priorities becomes more complicated as you enter different stages of your life. That&rsquo;s why it&rsquo;s so important to learn how to prioritize your spouse, as they are a significant part of your life. When dating, you try to balance time with your partner and friends. As newlyweds, you may struggle with whether to give your attention to your spouse or parents. If you have children, your priorities shift once again. But what if your partner feels they&rsquo;ve been lost in the shuffle? Should your spouse be your priority? What does it mean to put your spouse first? Let&rsquo;s <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":630,"featured_media":74365,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[24],"tags":[2532],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74361"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/630"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=74361"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74361\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":105341,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74361\/revisions\/105341"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/74365"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=74361"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=74361"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=74361"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}