Marriage is a ride with peaks, valleys, and all points in between. Even the best couples get to a point where they feel like they’re losing each other or merely existing instead of living. The good news? You don’t have to remain stuck there. With the right attitude and some research-proven techniques, you can reconnect, strengthen your connection, and create a relationship that’s strong and incredibly satisfying. Here are six of the most effective ways to strengthen your marriage, numbered from the most important one of all.
6. Practice Forgiveness and Let Go of Grudges
Let’s face it—nobody’s perfect. There will be misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and things you wish you could take back. What matters most is how you move forward. As clinical psychologist Dr. R.K. Suri explains, forgiveness has a tremendous part to play in emotional healing and stability.
Not that you ignore hurtful actions or put things under the carpet, but rather you decide to work through them together instead of focusing on resentment. By forgiving, you create space for trust, bonding, and development.
5. Respect Each Other’s Independence and Personal Growth
It may seem counterintuitive, but one of the healthiest things you can do for your marriage is provide some space for each other. Being supportive of your partner’s goals, interests, and friendships is not only being nice—sometimes it’s necessary.
Research indicates that couples that support each other’s personal development feel more satisfied, as individuals as well as a couple. Whether you’re cheering one another on at the office or just tolerating the necessity for some alone time, giving each other the space to grow does bring you closer in the long term.
4. Make Shared Moments and Significant Rituals
Life is hectic. With work, family, and home projects galore, it’s not uncommon to get stuck in a rut. But making time for shared experiences can help reconnect and keep things new. Do something new together—take a cooking class, go on weekend walks, or just watch a new show. Even minor rituals, such as having coffee in the morning together or goodnight with a kiss, serve to ground your relationship. As psychologist Cara Gardenswartz explains, shared rituals and experiences can add excitement and make couples feel more connected.
3. Cultivate Physical and Verbal Affection
A gentle touch. A kind word. A simple thank-you. These small details make a huge impact. Physical touch—hugs, hand-holding, cuddling—releases oxytocin, which calms stress and deepens your emotional connection. These verbal gestures of kindness count as well.
Showing gratitude or thanking your partner for what you love about them solidifies connection and trust. Dr. Gardenswartz recommends ending the day by reporting on the highs and lows and sharing gratitude—it’s an easy habit that creates emotional intimacy over time.
2. Learn Healthy Communication and Conflict Skills
Communication is the foundation of a healthy marriage. How you speak—and listen—to one another can be either a force for building closeness or eroding it. Dr. R.K. Suri stresses the need for open, honest communication in which both people feel heard and understood. This involves listening without interrupting to correct, remaining calm when disagreeing, and not blaming.
When disagreements do occur (and they will), try to resolve the problem, not attack the person. The Gottman Method suggests that being able to repair after a fight brings couples closer together, using conflict as an opportunity for greater understanding.
1. Prioritize Emotional Intimacy Above Everything
At the center of every healthy marriage is emotional intimacy—that sense of really being seen, accepted, and loved for who you truly are. It’s not about physical attraction or common passions. It’s about trusting each other, being open with your dreams and fears, and being secure enough to be yourself. According to Dr. Gardenswartz, emotional intimacy is what keeps relationships intact. When couples prioritize it, they have more trust, resilience, and overall well-being. No matter if it’s through meaningful conversations, quality time, or simply being there for one another daily, building emotional intimacy is the strongest method of keeping your marriage both healthy and long-lasting.
Marriage is not perfect—it’s about growth, connection, and showing up for one another each day. These six strategies are not magic solutions, but with practice and patience, they can strengthen your relationship into something greater, deeper, and happier than ever before.