Experts Say This Is How To Keep Your Marriage HAPPY

The numbers don’t lie and nearly half (40 to 50%) of married couples in the U.S. will end up divorced. And sadly, that could be a matter of life or death because a recent study found that married people who rated their unions as “very happy” or “pretty happy” had about 20% lower odds of dying early than those who report their marriages were “not too happy.” Of course, there are no guarantees in life, but these are seven ways you can keep your marriage happy for the long haul.

• Say positive things into each other- Relationship expertDr. John Gottman explains that happier couples “exchange at least five times as many positive statements to and about each other” as negative ones.
• Stop criticizing each other- Gottman says criticism is one of the “Four Horsemen” that lead to divorce (along with defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling.)
• Be playful together- A new study finds that social interaction in partner and team sports could add more years to your life than exercising solo. So playing tennis with your S.O. is better for longevity than going for a run alone.
• Increase your emotional intimacy- This isn’t about sex, it’s about being close to your partner and being open about feelings, thoughts, fears, values, and dreams. It helps you really “get” each other and can take your relationship to the next level.
• Be objective when arguing- This crisis-avoiding strategy can help “simmer down” escalating arguments, according to social psychology professor Eli Finkel.
• Remember your funniest moments- Do you ever sit and reminisce about something that made you and your sweetie laugh uncontrollably? Do it more often because one studyfinds that couples who remember laughing together report greater relationship satisfaction.
• Find adventure and excitement together- If things have gotten boring and you’re in a rut, try something new, fun, and exciting together. Psychologists have found that couples who experience new things together, like traveling, report greater sexual desire in their relationship and being more satisfied with it, too.

Source:Inc.