Strengthening marital relationships

[sharona]

I know people have heard this plenty of times. But one thing that is really important, is for couples to communicate. If they don't, then it is hard for them to give each other what they need. I understand it's hard sometimes. I have this problem myself when someone asks me what's wrong and I have a hard time expressing it. But it's important for couples to find a way, and keep working on this. Otherwise little issues become bigger and start eroding the marriage. - Another thing that is important is that both spouses need to be willing to work on strengthening their marriage. It should be a team effort.
Lastly, I read a great article that mentioned that couples should have a gratitued notebook and should write down what they appreciate about their spouse

[Rav Mitterhoff]

They claim that Rav Chaim Shmulevitz used to write down 10 new things each day that he appreciated about his wife!

[sharona]

When I read the article that mentioned this idea, I was also thinking of that story.