Showing respect towards your spouse is crucial to building a strong marriage and avoiding problems in marriage. A marriage lacking respect is not a happy situation and creates marriage problems that could destroy the relationship. Giving and Receiving respect is critical to any successful relationship and is especially true in marriage. When couples marry they are usually expecting it to be for life. Respect of each other is one of the most effective ways to reduce marriage problems and have a lasting marriage.

Some of us may not show respect because we are waiting on our spouse to show the proper amount of respect to us. Unfortunately that response does nothing to improve the marriage and could create even more problems in marriage. Show respect to your spouse even if you feel they are falling short in the respect area. Giving your spouse respect could mean that your spouse will begin to show more respect towards you. Respecting your spouse shows that you value them as a spouse and as a person and is more likely to get a positive response than anger, irritability or withdrawal.

Unpleasant attitudes and behavior by your spouse could be the result of feeling disrespected, unappreciated, and unloved. You may be surprised how showing respect can reduce marriage problems and change the direction of your marriage

How to give respect:

– Compliment your spouse on a regular basis

– During an argument speak respectfully and lower the emotion level

– Don't lash out, don't sulk or pout

– Respect your spouse's point of view. Often or gut reaction is to reject opinions that differ from our own. Show respect for your spouse by listening and accepting their right to have their own point of view.

– Don't give your spouse orders. If you want them to do something ask them, not demand

– When talking to your spouse listen to what they have to say, make eye contact when you are listening or speaking to them.

One way of showing respect is to give a high priority to the marriage and your relationship. Have conversations with each other about other things besides your children. Parents should go on dates with each other and arrange alone time without the children .. This strengthens a couple's relationship with each other. Good relationships between parents give children a sense of security and are reassuring to them.

Signs of marital disrespect:

1. Yelling screaming and belittling your spouse is not an effective way to build a strong marriage. It is a way to make for a horrible marriage.

2. Dominating the conversation and not allowing your spouse the opportunity to express themselves in private or in a social settings

3. If one person feels they are always right it diminishes the other person and does not reflect that you respect them or their opinions

4. Making important family decisions without discussing it with your spouse

5. Not giving your spouse the courtesy of listening when they are speaking to you

Many marriage problems come from not respecting how men and women differ. Men and women respond to many things differently. Women are usually more verbal than men and are more into expressing their feelings. Men are not usually as verbal in expressing their feelings or emotions. It's important to respect the differences.