Welcome to our second edition of Marriage Monthly!  Last month we launched this series and we have been brainstorming things we would love to share with you guys!  Today’s is just a quick little change of thought process that can make a HUGE difference!

Today’s marriage monthly is just a piece of advice that can help you in a tough spot in your marriage.  Have you ever had one of those days were every tiny thing your spouse does annoys you?  Maybe they truly did something to hurt your feelings.  Maybe they just left their dirty clothes on the floor again or forgot to take out the trash?  Whatever it may be, you just feel annoyed.  Maybe you are giving them the cold shoulder.  Maybe you just feel anger when you are around them.  Whatever the case, things aren’t right.  Chances are when you feel like that, regardless of what started that feeling, you let it spill over into all the parts of your marriage.  You found places for judgement all because one simple moment started the attitude.

Here is a little trick to take your attitude and turn it into gratitude.  Because even if he left the toilet seat up again- he didn’t do it to spite you.  We have to remember that our spouse truly wants to do the best for us, but they are human.  So here is a quick tip to turn that attitude around.  Every time a BAD thought about your spouse enters your mind,  look at the situation and say aloud if you have to, one thing you love, appreciate or admire about your spouse to diffuse the situation .

Ex.

Attitude: I am picking up his socks AGAIN.  Why can’t he clean up after himself?

Gratitude:  He always brings me socks when my feet are cold when we watch tv.

Attitude: He’s working late again- of course I have to do homework/dinner/bedtime alone!!

Gratitude:  He works so hard to provide for our family.

One thing I have learned in marriage is that whatever thoughts you feed your mind, will grow from it.  So when the negativity starts, stop it in it’s tracks.  Find the better side of the situation.  Even if it is small or unrelated.  Remind yourself of the things you love about your spouse during those moments and don’t harden your heart.