21 Ways We Strengthen Our Marriage

by EMILY ORTON on JANUARY 4, 2017

Age 21, Our future's so bright.

Erik and I got married at age 21.  This week we’ve been married 21 years.  We’ve officially been married half our lives.  In keeping with the Fezywig theme of stepping outside comfort zones into growth zones, and in honor of 21 years of marriage, I’ve compiled a list of 21 ways we strengthen our marriage.   If that's too sappy, you may prefer the companion post:  21 Ways I Fail at Marriage

Age 40, With these hats we can handle bright.  Photo Credit Ty Lamont Mecham

1. We look for the good in each other
2. We share in each other’s interests
3. We are generous in our physical intimacy
4. We practice gratitude
5. We talk daily and don’t shy away from difficult conversations
6. We smile at each other and speak kindly
7. We flirt with each other
8. We go on walks together
9. We don’t nag each other
10. We encourage each other 
11. We pray for each other
12. We kiss at greetings and goodbyes
13. We hold hands
14. We laugh at each others jokes
15. We decide together—no ultimatums, announcements or honey-do lists 
16. We never refer to each other as children
17. We budget together and don’t point fingers
18. We go on dates
19. We mark every anniversary by doing something new together
20. We keep each other’s confidences
21. When we fail, we forgive each other

21 to 42:  The better half