How Do You Learn To Save Your Marriage On Your Own?

Marriage is a complex institution that requires constant effort and commitment from both partners.

However, despite the best intentions of couples, many marriages end in divorce or separation.

While there are numerous reasons why relationships fail, one common denominator is often a lack of effort to save it.

Learning how to save your marriage on your own can be challenging but also incredibly rewarding.

It involves taking responsibility for your actions and being proactive about finding solutions to problems within the relationship.

This article will explore some effective strategies for saving a marriage without external help and provide insights into building strong, healthy partnerships that stand the test of time.

By following these tips, individuals seeking to salvage their relationships can take control of their lives and find ways to improve their marriages independently.

Acknowledge The Issues

Marriage is not always a bed of roses. It requires constant work and effort to maintain a healthy and happy relationship. When problems arise, it can be tempting to sweep them under the rug or blame your partner for everything that’s wrong. However, if you want to save your marriage on your own, the first step is to acknowledge the issues.

Self-reflection is an essential part of this process. Take some time to think about what’s been happening in your relationship and how you’ve contributed to any problems that have arisen. This can be difficult, as it means admitting fault and taking responsibility for your actions. However, it’s necessary if you want to move forward and make positive changes.

Another important aspect of acknowledging the issues is seeking feedback from others. This might include talking with trusted friends or family members who know you and your spouse well or even seeking professional counseling services. These people can provide valuable insight into areas where you may need to improve or give suggestions for ways to approach difficult conversations with your partner.

In conclusion, acknowledging the issues in your marriage requires self-reflection and seeking feedback from others. While this process can be uncomfortable at times, it is crucial if you want to start repairing your relationship. The next step will involve identifying the root cause of problems so that you can begin working towards solutions together.

Identify The Root Cause Of Problems

Identifying the root cause of problems in a marriage is an essential first step towards saving it.

One way to do this is by reflecting on past experiences and trying to understand what led to conflicts, misunderstandings, or disagreements. This requires taking an honest and introspective look at oneself and acknowledging one’s contributions to the problem.

Another useful strategy for identifying the root cause of marital issues is seeking external advice from a trusted source such as friends, family members, or professional counselors. These individuals can provide valuable insights into areas that need improvement and help couples identify patterns of behavior that may be contributing to relationship difficulties.

It’s important to note that identifying the root cause of problems does not mean blaming one party or placing all responsibility on them. Rather, it means recognizing that both partners have contributed in some way to the current state of their marriage and working together towards finding solutions instead of assigning blame.

In summary, identifying the root cause of problems involves self-reflection, seeking external advice, and acknowledging shared responsibility. By doing so, couples can gain a better understanding of what needs to change within themselves and their relationship in order to save their marriage.

Understanding the underlying issues is crucial but addressing them through effective communication is key.

Communication Is Key

Marriage is a beautiful commitment that requires an immense amount of effort and dedication. While the idea of spending your life with someone you love may be romanticized, maintaining a healthy relationship can demand more than just affection. Communication plays a crucial role in any marriage, but it’s not always as simple as speaking up or listening attentively. It takes patience, understanding, and skill to communicate effectively.

Timing is everything when it comes to communication in a marriage. When emotions are high, it’s easy to say things we don’t mean or ignore issues that need to be addressed. However, bringing up sensitive topics during stressful times can do more harm than good. Instead, take time to consider the best moment for communication – when both partners are calm and receptive.

Nonverbal cues also play a significant role in successful marital communication. Actions speak louder than words, and our body language can convey messages even before we have spoken them aloud. Be aware of how you’re presenting yourself during discussions and try to stay open-minded about what your partner might be saying through their own nonverbal expressions.

Effective communication isn’t only about expressing yourself; it also involves active listening. This means giving your full attention to your partner while they’re speaking without interrupting or getting defensive. Practice empathy by trying to understand where they’re coming from rather than focusing solely on your own perspective. By doing so, both parties will feel heard and respected within the relationship.

Communication is key when attempting to save a struggling marriage on your own. The importance of timing, nonverbal communication cues, and active listening cannot be overstated enough in this context. With practice and dedication towards honing these skills, couples can work together towards building stronger relationships that stand the test of time.

Practice Active Listening

Communication is key in any relationship, and it is especially important when trying to save a marriage.

One aspect of communication that can be particularly helpful is active listening. Active listening involves truly hearing what the other person is saying without interrupting or judging them. It also involves responding appropriately to their concerns.

Role playing exercises can be an effective way to practice active listening skills. This involves taking turns pretending to be each other and expressing your thoughts and feelings about various topics. By doing this, you are able to see things from your partner’s perspective and understand how they may be feeling.

Body language cues are another important aspect of communication that often goes overlooked. Nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, tone of voice, and posture can convey just as much (if not more) meaning than words themselves. Learning to interpret these cues accurately can help you better understand what your partner is really trying to say.

In order for communication to be truly effective, both partners must learn how to express their emotions effectively. This means being honest about how you feel without attacking or blaming the other person. It also means actively listening to your partner’s emotions and validating them even if you don’t necessarily agree with them.

By learning these skills, couples will have a better chance at saving their marriage on their own through open and effective communication strategies.

Express Emotions Effectively

Like a musician mastering their craft, effectively expressing emotions is an art form that requires practice and dedication. In the context of saving a marriage, it becomes all the more crucial to be able to articulate one’s feelings in a constructive manner. This involves being honest about how you feel without placing blame or attacking your partner.

Role playing can prove to be an excellent tool for learning how to express emotions effectively. By taking on different roles during conversations with your partner, you can develop empathy and learn how to communicate in a way that resonates with them. Practicing such dialogues regularly helps build confidence and makes real-life interactions smoother and less confrontational.

Journaling is another technique that can help individuals process their thoughts and emotions before communicating them verbally. Writing down what you want to say allows you time to reflect on why you’re feeling a certain way, helping identify any underlying issues that might need addressing. Additionally, reading over previous entries can also provide perspective on how far you’ve come in terms of emotional growth.

In summary, effective communication is key when attempting to save a marriage. Role-playing exercises and journaling are valuable tools for developing effective communication skills by building empathy and self-awareness respectively.

The next section will discuss managing conflict in healthy ways as part of this ongoing journey towards repairing damaged relationships.

Manage Conflict In A Healthy Manner

1. Developing effective communication skills is essential for managing conflict in a healthy manner.

2. Conflict resolution strategies, such as problem solving and negotiation, can be used to identify solutions and come to a mutual understanding.

3. Emotional intelligence is an important skill to learn when managing conflicts, as it helps to understand yourself and the other person and maintain composure in difficult situations.

4. Effective communication and conflict resolution strategies can help couples to identify underlying issues in their relationship, and work together to save their marriage.

Communication Skills

Effective communication is a crucial factor in managing conflicts within a marriage. It involves not only what is said, but also how it is conveyed through nonverbal cues such as tone of voice and body language. Improving nonverbal cues can help to prevent misunderstandings and reduce the chances of miscommunication.

For instance, maintaining eye contact during conversations shows attentiveness and helps to establish trust between partners. Overcoming language barriers is another essential aspect of effective communication in marriage. When couples come from different cultural backgrounds or speak different languages, difficulties may arise when trying to communicate with one another.

In this case, learning each other’s language can improve understanding and strengthen the bond between partners. Additionally, seeking help from professionals like translators or interpreters can facilitate better communication. In conclusion, improving communication skills is vital for saving a marriage on your own.

By paying attention to nonverbal cues and overcoming any language barriers that may exist, couples can foster an environment of healthy conflict management where both parties feel heard and understood. However challenging it may be at first, developing these skills will ultimately lead to greater intimacy and stronger relationships over time.

Conflict Resolution Strategies

Effective communication is just one aspect of managing conflict in a healthy manner. In addition to improving communication skills, couples must also develop conflict resolution strategies that work for them. Reflecting on past conflicts and understanding different perspectives can be helpful in this process.

One strategy for resolving conflicts is compromise. This involves finding a middle ground where both partners can feel satisfied with the outcome. It may require each partner to give up something or make concessions, but ultimately it should lead to a solution that works for everyone involved.

Another strategy is active listening. This means truly hearing what your partner has to say without interrupting or dismissing their feelings. By validating their perspective and expressing empathy, you can create an environment where they feel safe to share their thoughts and emotions.

A third strategy is taking time-outs when necessary. When tensions are high, tempers can flare and rational thinking becomes more difficult. Taking a break from the conversation allows each partner to cool off and approach the situation with a clearer head later on.

By incorporating these conflict resolution strategies into their lives, couples can improve their ability to manage disagreements in a healthy way. While it may take time and effort to find what works best for them as individuals, practicing effective communication and adopting successful conflict resolution techniques will ultimately strengthen relationships and build stronger bonds between partners.

Work On Building Trust

Rebuilding trust is a crucial step towards saving any marriage. It requires patience, effort and time. Trust can be broken due to various reasons such as infidelity, lying, or betrayal. However, it’s possible to rebuild the lost trust in your relationship if you are willing to put in the work.

Where to start rebuilding trust? The first step is acknowledging what caused the breach of trust in the first place. Both partners should take responsibility for their actions that led to the loss of confidence within their relationship. If one partner was unfaithful, they need to end all communication with the third party and cut off contact completely.

The next step would be to create an atmosphere of open communication where both parties feel comfortable discussing their feelings without fear of judgment or retaliation. This could mean choosing a neutral location outside of home where there are no distractions or interruptions.

How long does it take to rebuild trust? Unfortunately, there is no fixed timeline when it comes to healing from a broken bond between spouses. The process varies depending on many factors like how severe the damage was, how much effort each person puts into fixing things and whether both partners have committed themselves wholeheartedly towards regaining mutual respect and love.

Rebuilding trust is not easy but it’s worth putting in the hard work necessary for salvaging your marriage. Prioritizing quality time together can help strengthen bonds between couples who’ve gone through trauma in their relationships by allowing them opportunities for deepening emotional intimacy while also enjoying shared activities that bring joy and happiness into everyday life.

Prioritize Quality Time Together

While building trust is important in any relationship, it is not always enough to save a marriage on its own. So, you’ve worked on developing trust with your partner and now what? It’s time to prioritize quality time together.

One of the most effective ways to do this is by engaging in fun activities as a couple. This can be something as simple as going for a walk or trying out new hobbies together. By doing things that spark joy and laughter between you two, you will create positive memories and experiences which will help strengthen your bond.

Another crucial aspect of prioritizing quality time is intimacy-building. Couples often neglect physical touch when they are facing marital issues but it’s one of the best tools for reconnecting emotionally. Simple gestures like holding hands or cuddling while watching TV can go a long way toward rebuilding intimacy.

Lastly, embracing vulnerability is key if you want to truly rebuild your marriage. Being vulnerable means opening up about your feelings and being willing to listen actively when your partner shares theirs. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but sharing our true selves with each other helps us connect on a deeper level and fosters mutual understanding.

In conclusion, saving your marriage requires more than just working on building trust; it also involves prioritizing quality time together through fun activities and intimacy-building while embracing vulnerability.

Remember that these changes won’t happen overnight but taking small steps towards them every day will ultimately lead to better communication, stronger connection, and happier relationship overall.

Embrace Vulnerability

1. Empathy is essential for learning to save a marriage on one’s own as it allows for understanding of one’s partner’s needs and feelings.

2. Self-awareness and acceptance of one’s own shortcomings, weaknesses and strengths is also important for learning to save a marriage on one’s own, as it enables one to identify areas for improvement and set achievable goals.

3. Communication, trust, boundaries, respect, conflict resolution, and compromise are all essential components when learning to save a marriage on one’s own.

4. Lastly, forgiveness, patience, compassion, understanding, love, commitment and the ability to recognize when professional help is needed are all important aspects to consider when learning to save a marriage on one’s own.

Empathy

Empathy is a crucial ingredient in any successful marriage. It is defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. Developing empathy involves cultivating compassion, which means being able to put yourself in your partner’s shoes and see things from their perspective.

To develop empathy, it is important to listen actively when your partner speaks. This means paying full attention to what they are saying without interrupting or judging them. When you show that you are genuinely interested in what your partner has to say, you create an environment where they feel safe and comfortable opening up to you.

The power of empathy lies in its ability to build trust and intimacy between partners. By understanding your partner’s perspective, you can validate their experiences and emotions, even if you don’t necessarily agree with them. This helps your partner feel heard and valued, which strengthens the bond between the two of you.

In conclusion, developing empathy is a critical skill for saving a marriage on your own. By cultivating compassion and actively listening to your partner, you can better understand their perspective and strengthen the emotional connection between the two of you.

The power of empathy cannot be overstated – it creates a foundation for trust, intimacy, and long-term happiness in any relationship.

Self-Awareness

The ability to embrace vulnerability is another crucial ingredient in a successful marriage. It involves being willing to open up and share your innermost thoughts, fears, and desires with your partner. However, this can be challenging for many people because it requires them to confront their own weaknesses and insecurities.

To embrace vulnerability, it is important to develop self-awareness. This means identifying blind spots that may prevent you from recognizing or addressing problematic behaviors or attitudes. Practicing introspection can help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions, which allows you to better understand how they impact your relationship with your spouse.

Self-awareness also helps you recognize when you are feeling defensive or reactive during conversations with your partner. By acknowledging these feelings, you can take steps to manage them and respond in a way that is productive rather than destructive.

In conclusion, embracing vulnerability requires a willingness to be honest with yourself and others about your strengths as well as areas where you need improvement. Developing self-awareness through practices like introspection can help you identify blind spots and manage difficult emotions during conversations with your spouse.

Ultimately, by cultivating vulnerability in your marriage, you create an environment where trust, intimacy, and emotional connection can thrive.

Set Realistic Expectations

Realistic expectations are crucial when attempting to save a marriage on your own. Setting realistic goals can help you avoid unnecessary disappointment and frustration. It is important to acknowledge that saving a marriage is not an easy task, but it’s achievable with the right set of expectations.

One benefit of having realistic expectations is that they can motivate you to work harder towards achieving your goal. When you have practical goals in mind, it helps you stay focused and committed to the process. Additionally, setting realistic expectations will enable you to see progress as you work towards improving your relationship.

However, there are also challenges in balancing expectations between yourself and your partner. Both parties may have different views or opinions about what needs improvement in the relationship.

One way to manage these differences is through open communication and compromise. By discussing each other’s perspectives and reaching a mutual agreement on what changes need to be made, both partners can feel heard and valued in the process.

Balancing expectations also involves taking responsibility for one’s actions. Acknowledging any mistakes or wrongdoings instead of placing blame on the other person can lead to greater self-awareness and growth. This approach allows individuals to take ownership of their contribution to the problems within the relationship while creating space for positive change moving forward.

In summary, setting realistic expectation benefits individuals who want to save their marriages by providing motivation and focus while avoiding unwarranted frustrations or disappointments along the way. However, balancing these expectations requires open communication, compromise, and taking personal responsibility for one’s actions within the relationship dynamic.

The next step towards successfully saving a marriage alone involves learning how to take responsibility for one’s actions without blaming others unnecessarily.

Take Responsibility For Your Actions

Taking ownership and avoiding blame are crucial steps in learning to save your marriage on your own. It is easy to point fingers at one another when things go wrong, but taking responsibility for your actions can help you address the underlying issues that may be causing problems.

This means acknowledging your mistakes and committing to making changes. Avoiding blame is equally important as it prevents resentment from building up between partners. Blaming each other only creates a negative cycle of accusations that lead nowhere.

Instead, focus on discussing how both parties can work together to overcome challenges. Accepting responsibility also shows respect for yourself and your partner, which helps build trust and strengthen the relationship.

When we take ownership of our actions, we become more accountable for ourselves and our relationship. This involves being honest with ourselves about what we have done wrong or where we could improve. It takes courage and humility to admit fault, but doing so opens up opportunities for growth and improvement within the marriage.

By taking these steps towards personal accountability, couples can begin to make positive changes in their marriage. Avoiding blame allows room for communication and understanding while taking ownership fosters mutual respect and trust. The next step is practicing forgiveness, which will be discussed further in the subsequent section.

Practice Forgiveness

Forgiveness is one of the most essential aspects of a happy and successful marriage. It is an act that involves letting go of negative emotions, feelings, and resentment towards your partner for past wrongs. Practicing forgiveness in marriage can lead to various benefits, including emotional healing, enhanced communication skills, and greater marital satisfaction.

One benefit of practicing forgiveness in marriage is emotional healing. When you forgive your partner for past mistakes or hurtful actions, you free yourself from anger, bitterness, and other negative emotions that weigh you down emotionally. As a result, you experience peace of mind and emotional healing that allows you to move on with positivity.

Another benefit of practicing forgiveness in marriage is improved communication skills. Forgiving your partner opens up channels of communication between both parties as it creates room for honest conversations about each other’s needs and concerns without fear or judgment. This way, couples learn to communicate effectively while resolving conflicts amicably.

To practice forgiveness in marriage requires some steps such as acknowledging the hurt caused by your spouse’s actions or words; this will help clarify how much damage has been done and enable the process of forgiving them quickly.

Secondly, express understanding rather than anger when discussing issues with your partner so they feel heard instead of attacked or accused.

Thirdly create new memories together by participating in activities that bring joy like taking walks hand-in-hand after dinner time.

In conclusion seeking support from friends and family during challenging times in marriages can provide necessary encouragement needed to maintain healthy relationships. Supportive individuals offer guidance through counseling sessions or just lending an ear whenever their loved ones need someone to talk to about their struggles within their married life.

Seeking support early enough prevents problems from escalating into irreconcilable differences leading ultimately to separation or divorce which could be avoided with timely intervention from those who care enough about us!

Seek Support From Friends And Family

While seeking support from friends and family can be a helpful step when trying to save your marriage, it is important to set boundaries. It can be overwhelming to share personal details about your relationship with too many people, so choose carefully who you confide in. Make sure they are trustworthy and will keep what you tell them confidential.

Additionally, let them know the boundaries of what you want to discuss and what topics should remain private. Dealing with unsupportive friends or family members can also add stress during this already difficult time. While it may be tempting to cut ties completely, consider having an open conversation with them first.

Explain how their negativity impacts you and ask for their support in a positive way. If they still cannot offer that support, it might be best to limit contact until you have resolved issues within your marriage. Setting these boundaries with loved ones shows that saving your marriage is a priority for you and helps create a supportive environment where you feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics.

When friends or family members respect these boundaries, it creates more trust between both parties and promotes healthy communication skills. It is important to remember that while seeking support from friends and family can help alleviate some of the emotional strain of trying to save your marriage on your own, there may come a point where professional counseling is necessary.

This does not mean giving up; rather, it means recognizing the limitations of outside support and acknowledging the need for specialized guidance from trained professionals who can offer unbiased perspectives and effective strategies for moving forward together as a couple.

Consider Professional Counseling

Professional counseling can be an effective way to learn how to save your marriage. Counseling provides a safe space for you and your partner to communicate in a constructive manner. A professional counselor can help both of you identify the underlying issues that are causing problems in your relationship, and provide guidance on how to address those issues.

If traditional face-to-face counseling does not work with your schedule or budget, consider online counseling as an alternative option. Online counseling allows you to receive the same level of support without having to physically attend sessions. Many couples find this method convenient, allowing them more flexibility in their schedules while still receiving valuable advice from a licensed therapist.

Another option to consider is looking for marriage workshops in your area. These workshops often focus on specific topics such as communication, intimacy, or conflict resolution. Attending these workshops together can help strengthen the bond between you and your partner by providing opportunities for learning new skills and techniques that promote healthy relationships.

By considering professional counseling, whether it be through traditional methods or online options, along with attending marriage workshops, you may gain better insight into saving your marriage. With persistence and commitment towards improving yourselves and each other, celebrate progress and successes made throughout the process of repairing your relationship.

Celebrate Progress And Successes

Reflecting on one’s progress and successes is an essential step in learning to save a marriage. It allows individuals to acknowledge how far they have come, which can be motivating and encouraging as they continue their efforts. Taking time to reflect on achievements helps individuals recognize that change is possible and reinforces the notion that their actions are making a difference.

It is critical to celebrate any progress made toward repairing the relationship. Whether it means communicating more effectively or spending quality time together, every small success should be acknowledged and celebrated. This celebration can take many forms such as going out for dinner or taking a weekend getaway.

Celebrating these accomplishments provides couples with positive reinforcement, reminding them of why they want to save their marriage. Sharing personal achievements with a trusted friend can also provide additional support during this process. Discussing what has been accomplished so far may help solidify goals while providing encouragement when things get difficult.

A trusted confidant can offer valuable insight into the situation while holding individuals accountable for continuing to work towards saving their marriage. Lastly, reflecting on progress and celebrating achievements does not mean the journey ends there. Individuals must remain mindful of continued growth opportunities within themselves and the relationship.

While looking back at past successes is crucial, focusing on future possibilities keeps people motivated to maintain the hard work needed to sustain long-lasting change.

Celebration Ideas:

1. Plan a surprise picnic
2. Write each other love letters
3. Take dance lessons together
4. Have date nights regularly
5. Create a photo album of special memories

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Know When It’s Time To Give Up On Trying To Save Your Marriage?

When a marriage is on the brink of collapse, it can be difficult to determine when it’s time to give up on trying to save it.

However, seeking help and engaging in self-reflection are two important steps that individuals can take before making any decisions about their relationship.

Seeking professional counseling or therapy may provide insight into ways to address underlying issues within the marriage.

Additionally, taking time for personal reflection and introspection can help individuals identify their own needs and desires in the relationship.

Ultimately, deciding whether to continue working on a troubled marriage requires careful consideration of all factors involved, including one’s own emotional well-being and desire for long-term happiness.

Can You Save Your Marriage Without The Cooperation Of Your Spouse?

Coincidentally, it is a common belief that both partners must be willing to work on their marriage in order for it to be saved. However, there are instances where one partner may not be interested or able to contribute towards the solution.

In such cases, self-reflection and communication strategies become crucial tools for an individual who wants to save their marriage alone. Self-reflection helps identify areas of improvement within oneself and allows for better understanding of the issues at hand. Communication strategies involve active listening, expressing thoughts and feelings clearly, and finding common ground with the other party.

While saving a marriage single-handedly can be difficult, these techniques have proven effective in some cases.

How Do You Deal With Infidelity In A Marriage?

Infidelity in a marriage can be devastating and may lead to the breakdown of trust and intimacy between partners.

Rebuilding intimacy is essential, but it requires effort from both spouses.

Seeking counseling can also help couples address the underlying issues that led to infidelity and work towards healing their relationship.

While saving a marriage after infidelity is possible, it takes time, patience, and commitment from both parties.

It’s important for couples to communicate openly and honestly with each other throughout this process while seeking guidance from trained professionals who specialize in helping couples navigate these difficult situations.

Is It Possible To Rebuild Trust After It Has Been Broken In A Marriage?

Rebuilding trust in a marriage after it has been broken is possible, but it requires effort from both partners.

One key factor in rebuilding intimacy is establishing open communication between the parties involved. This can be achieved through honest and transparent conversations where each partner expresses their feelings and concerns without fear of judgement or retaliation.

It’s also important to seek professional help such as couples therapy to guide you through the process.

While restoring trust may take time, patience, and persistence, it can ultimately lead to a stronger and healthier relationship.

How Do You Handle Differences In Core Values And Beliefs With Your Spouse?

Navigating disagreements in a marriage can be challenging, especially when they concern core values and beliefs.

Compromising and understanding are essential tools for resolving such conflicts. However, some may argue that compromising on one’s values is not an option.

While it is true that certain values may be non-negotiable, it is important to remember that compromise does not necessarily mean sacrificing one’s principles entirely.

Rather, it involves finding common ground and exploring alternative solutions that meet the needs of both individuals.

By approaching differences with an open mind and willingness to work together, couples can strengthen their relationship and create a more harmonious environment based on mutual respect and understanding.

Conclusion

When faced with the possibility of a failing marriage, it can be difficult to know where to turn. Often times, couples may feel as though they have exhausted all options and are left with no choice but to throw in the towel. However, there are steps that one partner can take on their own to try and salvage the relationship.

Firstly, it is important to assess whether or not your efforts will be met with resistance from your spouse. If so, it may be necessary to seek professional help or counseling in order to navigate through these challenges together.

Additionally, addressing issues such as infidelity and differences in core values requires an open and honest dialogue between both partners. While rebuilding trust may seem like an insurmountable task, it is possible through consistent effort and communication. It is also crucial for each partner to take responsibility for their actions and work towards making positive changes within themselves.

Anticipating objections from those who believe that saving a marriage should be a joint effort, it is important to acknowledge that not all relationships operate under ideal circumstances. Some individuals may find themselves alone in their quest for reconciliation due to factors beyond their control such as distance or emotional unavailability from their partner.

By taking proactive steps towards mending the relationship on their own, they demonstrate a willingness to fight for what they believe in despite adversity. Saving a marriage takes patience, determination and above all else – love.