- Never Stop Courting: Keep the romantic spark alive in your relationship by continuing to date and appreciate your partner. Don’t take your spouse for granted.
- Protect Your Own Heart: Just as you protect your partner’s heart, you should also safeguard your own emotions and maintain a space for your spouse in your heart.
- Fall in Love Over and Over: Embrace change and choose each other daily. Love is not a one-time commitment; it’s an ongoing choice.
- See the Best in Each Other: Focus on the positive aspects of your partner and your relationship. What you focus on will influence your experience.
- Don’t Try to Change Your Partner: Love your partner for who they are, with no expectations of them changing. Embrace growth and change as it happens.
- Take Accountability for Your Emotions: Your happiness is your responsibility, not your partner’s. Find joy within yourself, and let it enhance your relationship.
- Don’t Blame Your Partner: When you experience negative emotions, it’s your responsibility to address them. These emotions are your own, and they offer an opportunity for personal growth.
- Allow Your Partner to Be Themselves: Offer support and understanding when your partner experiences sadness or frustration. Be a pillar of strength during emotional storms.
- Be Silly: Don’t take yourselves too seriously. Laughter is a powerful bond that can make challenges easier to overcome.
- Fill Each Other’s Souls: Learn and understand your partner’s love languages. Make an effort to make them feel cherished and loved every day.
- Be Present: Give your partner your full attention when you are together. Be present in the moment and prioritize your relationship.
- Be Willing to Take Your Partner Sexually: Embrace the passion and intimacy in your relationship. It’s an essential part of a healthy marriage.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes: You will both make mistakes. Learn from them and don’t strive for perfection. Aim for growth instead.
- Give Your Partner Space: Encourage your partner to take time for self-care and personal growth. This space can help strengthen your relationship.
- Be Vulnerable: Share your fears, feelings, and acknowledge your mistakes. Vulnerability can lead to deeper emotional connections.
- Be Fully Transparent: Build trust by sharing everything with your partner, even your imperfections. Allow them to love all aspects of you.
- Never Stop Growing Together: Set common goals, dreams, and visions for your relationship. Continual growth is essential for a thriving marriage.
- Don’t Worry About Money: Approach financial challenges as a team. Work together to manage money and avoid conflicts.
- Forgive Immediately: Let go of past mistakes and focus on the future. Holding onto past grievances can hinder the growth of your marriage.
- Always Choose Love: Love is the guiding principle in your relationship. When you prioritize love, you can overcome any challenges.
Gerald Rogers’ advice underscores the importance of ongoing effort, understanding, and love in a successful marriage. These insights can serve as a valuable guide for anyone looking to strengthen their relationship or for those healing from a broken one.