5 Questions to Ask About Your Marriage

Discuss these questions and answers with your spouse to be sure you are on the path to "happily ever after."

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Do you two have what it takes to endure? Professor and sexologist Pepper Schwartz, PhD, offers five ways to probe your feelings—and prove your love:

1. Do you have trouble finding solutions to problems together? It's not about persuading your spouse that you're right. It's whether the two of you can consistently find a comfortable middle ground.

2. Is your spouse making most of the decisions? Your point of view needs a full and fair hearing before you both decide on an outcome.

3. Does he or she withhold affection? It's not just about sex—holding hands and hugging are essential. Do you share a smile or kiss at the end of the day?

4. Is your mate defensive? Are you? Shoulder responsibility and suggest a do-over. That will make it easier to admit you were wrong.

5. Is he or she inflexible? You don't want your spouse to be stuck in a rut. The priorities you set 20 years ago may not apply if one of you loses a job or gets sick.

Bottom line: If you've answered affirmatively to most of these questions, it's time to get to work. Discussing your answers might be a good place to start.
From Reader's Digest - August 2009
 
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I think sex is a very important part. Otherwise, they are just like anyone else. An aquaintance...

By jec, on 10/10/2009
How much should sex be involved in a happy marriage,even after 65?

By John L, on 08/09/2009

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