Words are powerful.
Words can build up or tear down.
Words can bring people closer together or drive them apart.
In marriage, words hold a special weight and have the power to shape our relationship.
Maintaining a strong marriage takes effort, communication, and a lot of love.
While there’s more to communication than just words, words still play a crucial role in strengthening our marriages.
Here are nine phrases that you can use every day to build and strengthen your marriage:
9 Simple Phrases That Can Strengthen Your Marriage Every Day
1. “I Love You”
I’ve heard some people say to their spouses, ”If I didn’t love you, I wouldn’t have married you.”
Well, while that may be true, it’s important to still verbally express your love for your partner every day.
Because love is more than just a one-time decision.
It’s an ongoing choice and commitment.
Saying “I love you” every day reminds your spouse that they are loved, valued, and cherished.
And you don’t just say this only when you feel like it, when your partner makes you happy, or when the going is good.
You say it even when you’re angry or hurt because love is still there.
In fact, I believe that’s the best time for your spouse to hear those words the most.
It shows that your love isn’t dependent on circumstances, but rather a constant presence in your relationship.
2. “Thank You”
Appreciation is a powerful thing.
We all want to feel appreciated and valued, especially by our spouse who knows us better than anyone else.
Unfortunately, marriage seems to be where we use our manners the least.
We tend to take each other for granted and forget to say the simple words, “Thank you.”
We say them more to strangers than to our own spouses and we wonder why marriages are in trouble.
Saying ”thank you” shows that you don’t take your spouse for granted and that you appreciate all they do, big or small.
Whether it’s for cooking dinner, doing household chores, or simply being there for you, saying “thank you” lets them know that they are seen and appreciated.
Make this a daily phrase in your marriage!
3. “I’m Sorry”
No one is perfect and we all make mistakes.
In marriage, arguments happen and feelings get hurt.
But the key to a strong relationship is not avoiding disagreements altogether, but rather learning how to apologize when needed.
Admitting when you’re wrong and apologizing is a sign of humility, honesty, and respect in a marriage.
It shows that you value your partner’s feelings and are willing to take responsibility for your actions.
Saying sorry isn’t always easy, but it can go a long way in healing any hurt or tension in the relationship.
More importantly, saying sorry isn’t just about uttering the words.
It also requires sincerity and making amends for your mistakes.
Because there’s no point in saying sorry if you don’t intend to change your behavior.
A true apology is a changed behavior.
A true apology is a changed behavior.
4. “I’m Here for You”
One of the reasons we get married is to have a partner for life.
Someone who will always be there for us, through the good times and the bad.
Remember the classic wedding vows, ”in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer”?
Those words hold a lot of weight and meaning.
Saying “I’m here for you” lets your spouse know that they can count on you no matter what.
It shows them that you are committed to supporting them through thick and thin and that they are not alone in this journey of life.
In fact, it doesn’t have to be serious times like illnesses or financial struggles.
It could be as simple as saying, “I’m here for you” when your partner is feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, having a bad day, or just needs someone to talk to.
5. “I’m Proud of You”
We all have our own insecurities and doubts, and sometimes we just need a little reassurance from our loved ones.
As spouses, it’s important for us to be each other’s biggest supporters and cheerleaders.
I usually say that you have no business dating or marrying someone who doesn’t support you.
Your spouse should be your number-one fan!
So, when your partner achieves something, no matter how big or small, let them know that you are proud of them.
It could be landing a new job, completing a project, or simply tackling their to-do list for the day.
Acknowledging their accomplishments shows that you believe in them and their abilities.
And on tough days when they feel like giving up, knowing that their spouse is proud of them can be incredibly motivating and uplifting.
6. “How Was Your Day?”/ “Tell Me About Your Day”
After a long day at work, it’s tempting to just come home and unwind in front of the TV or on our phones.
However, taking the time to ask your partner about their day and actively listening to their response can take your marriage from good to great.
I said ”actively listen” because it’s not just about asking the question and nodding along while scrolling through Instagram.
It’s about engaging in a meaningful conversation, asking follow-up questions, and truly showing interest in what they have to say.
This simple act of checking in with your partner can make them feel seen and valued, creating a deeper connection between the two of you.
It also provides an opportunity for your partner to vent or share any exciting news, allowing them to release any stress from their day and celebrate their successes with you.
I remember how my husband always ranted about a hostile colleague to me each time he returned from work.
At first, I would just listen and offer a few words of sympathy, but then I realized that he needed more than that.
He needed me to actively listen, to ask him how the situation made him feel, what actions he took, and what his plan was moving forward.
So, instead of zoning out in front of the TV, take a few minutes to engage with your spouse about their day.
You never know what interesting stories or insights may come up, and it can be a great way to wind down as a couple.
In fact, don’t just ask generic questions like “how was your day?”
To really get them talking, try asking specific questions like, “What was the highlight of your day?” or “Did anything interesting happen at work today?”
So, the next time you see your partner come home from work, put down your phone and make an effort to actively listen and engage with them.
It may seem small, but it can have a big impact on the overall health of your relationship.
Believe me.
7. ”I Missed You”
Yes, you are married and live together, but sometimes we can still miss our partners throughout the day.
And there’s nothing wrong with expressing that.
Next time your partner comes home, try saying “I missed you today” or “It feels so good to have you back.”
These simple words will make your partner feel appreciated and loved, and it shows that you still value their presence in your life despite living together.
8. “Let’s Do Something Fun Together”
With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to get caught up in routines and forget to have fun with your partner, especially when kids are involved.
But it’s important to make time for each other and do something enjoyable together; otherwise, the spark in your relationship can start to fade.
It doesn’t necessarily have to be an extravagant date night; it could be something as simple as cooking a meal together, taking a walk in the park, or even playing a board game.
The key is to have fun and create new memories together.
This will not only strengthen your bond but also bring back the excitement and joy that may have dwindled over time.
My husband and I usually have breakfast together in our favorite cafe at least once a week.
Whenever we have the privilege of having someone babysit the kids for us, we make sure to have a date night, getaway, or just spend the day alone at home.
Your love/relationship needs nurturing and attention, just like a plant needs water and sunlight to grow.
So don’t underestimate the power of having fun or doing something fun together as a couple.
9. “I Understand”
Sometimes, all your partner needs to hear is that you understand them.
It’s one thing to hear and listen to their concerns, but it’s another thing to truly understand and empathize with them.
When your partner feels understood, they will feel more supported and validated by you.
To strengthen your marriage, don’t let the words ”I understand” be scarce in your conversations.
Even if you may not fully agree with their perspective, acknowledging their feelings and showing understanding will make them feel validated by you.
Understanding is different from agreeing or giving in.
It simply means acknowledging your partner’s viewpoint without judgment.
If you found this article helpful, make sure to share it with your partner and your loved ones!