10 Proven Tips For Building A Strong Marriage {With Radisson Blu Mall Of America}

I partnered with Radisson Blu Mall of America to create this 10 Proven Tips For Building A Strong Marriage Post.  As usual, all opinions are my own.

If you’re dating, engaged, or married, this is the post for you.  When dating and engaged, you’re probably still really enjoying everything about your significant other.  But once the wedding is over and honeymoon period wears off, real life sets in.  FAST.  I was actually just at the local coffee shop chatting with a couple other women.  Because you know what?

A man gets married thinking she will never change, but she does. A woman gets married thinking he will change, but he never does.

Did You Get Married Thinking Those Thoughts

Honestly, I”ll admit it right now.  There was very little that I didn’t like about my future husband before we got married.  However, getting married, then moving in together, and doing every day life brought about some annoyances.  But just think.  What if there were things you could do and tips for building a strong marriage that could help.  Would you give them a try?

10 Proven Tips For Building A Strong Marriage

If you’re marriage is in a good place, be proactive!  Keep it there!  And if you’re struggling a bit, step up your game.  Start focussing on building a functional, strong marriage.  And here are some proven tips to help along the way.

1: Keep The Spark Alive

It’s easy to let every day run into the next.  But think back to your dating relationship.  You used to double check the mirror, make sure you looked good, right?  Make sure you continue to put effort into looking nice for your spouse.  And with that, keep the spark alive with some fun flirty memes or sex memes that you can send to each other when you’re apart.  (Perfect surprise to send on your lunch break!)

2:  Make Sex A Priority

This is a big one.  Honestly, I’ve struggled with HG when pregnant and the last thing on my mind was sex.  However, over the years,  I’ve learned that quantity over quality is huge with staying connected to my spouse.  Even if you’re not in the mood, just do it.  The best piece of marriage advance that you probably haven’t heard is to aim to have sex with your spouse…. a lot.  Plan for every other day or every three days!  I don’t think you’ll regret it!

3:  Take Time To Get Away Together

You know what?  My husband and I have honestly struggled with this one over the years.  I always felt so guilty about leaving my kids for a night, much less several days.  But I’m here to tell you that it’s okay!  You and your spouse should get out together – sans kids.  And it doesn’t have to be big and elaborate.  You don’t need to spend your entire savings.  And there’s no need to leave the country.  Just head to a local hotel and spend 24 hours with no distractions.  Make this time for reconnecting!  And if you’re ever in Minnesota, a great place to stay is Radisson Blu Mall of America!  Stroll the mall holding hands and then head back to your room for some privacy.  Even if it’s winter, you’ll never have to leave the building.  Food, entertainment, and lodging are all under one gigantic roof.}

4:  Hug Every Day – Actually, Make That 12 Times A Day!

Physical touch is extremely important.  Even if I’m in a bad mood, receiving a hug immediately helps shine a light of joy in my heart.  Family therapist Virginia Satir once said, “We need four hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. And we need 12 hugs a day for growth.”  So give those hugs.  And add in a couple kisses for good measure!

5: Head Out On A Lunch Date (And Sit NEXT To Each Other)

It’s important to continue dating your spouse.  Staying in tune with the things going on in each others’ lives.  And just being supportive.  So the next time you head out on that lunch date, don’t sit across from each other!  Make sure you ask for a booth and sit down side by side.  This makes it easier to communicate, hold hands, and just get close and connect.

6: Don’t Involve Others

Keep your marriage sacred.  Never bash your spouse to others.  Make sure to address any issues you have directly with your spouse, in a kind way.  Communicating with each other WITHOUT the “help” of outsiders lets your spouse know that they can trust you.  That things shared between the two of you won’t make it to the next girls night out.  Many aspects of marriage relationships are private and just not meant to be group knowledge.  You’re trusting your spouse with your deepest thoughts and feelings.  Knowing they will honor you and keep those to themselves is a must.

7: Make Big/Important Decisions Together

First off, you need to decide what “big decisions” means for your family.  Honestly, in our marriage.  If there’s a (non-necessary)  purchase that’s over $200, it’s something we will discuss.  This way, there’s no surprises or unannounced bills that show up.  And another big thing we do is that if there is a big purchase, such as a new piece of furniture.  We go shopping together, pick something out, and then go home…. WITHOUT buying.  We spend the night thinking, talking, and sometimes praying (depending on what the item is).  And then if we both still think we should, we will purchase the next day.  Not only has this saved a lot of money over the years, it also saves stress.  Money issues is a huge reason many couples give for fights and divorces.  So avoiding wasting money and seldom buyers remorse can result in a more peaceful home.

And then there are plenty of non-monetary important decisions to make as well.  Just make sure you discuss those things together.  Hear each other out.  And make the decisions together.

8:  Leave The Past In The Past

This is a struggle for many.  But everyone deserves a second chance.  So don’t bring up past mistakes.  If you’ve been wronged, I know it’s hard.  For the sake of your marriage, though, leave the past in the past.  Move on to a new day and strive to be the best person you can be.

9:  Apologize With A Real Apology

We’ve all gotten those “I’m sorry you feel that way” type of apologies.  And quite frankly, it sucks.  It wasn’t a real apology and you know that person didn’t mean it.  So instead, make sure you apologize often and do it with a real apology.  Let your ego go.  The old saying goes “it takes two to tango”.  Most often, both are at fault, no matter what the percentage.  Remember, you’re a team!  Forgive, move on, and learn from mistakes without rehashing all the time.

10:  It’s Not 50/50.  Give 100% All The Time

In all the tips for building a strong marriage, this is a big one.  You married your spouse to become a team.  So be that team together.  Nobody wants to play with someone who only gives 50%.  Instead, make sure you strive to always give your best.  And give 100% of yourself to all that you do.  Nurturing your relationship and putting effort into your marriage is something that will live on.  Through your kids, grandkids, and family, make your legacy be one of love, kindness, patience, and gentleness.  Work hard, play hard, and turn your marriage into the love story you always wanted!

We just got back from a weekend marriage retreat and a stay at Radisson Blu Mall of America and it was FANTASTIC!

When we mention that we recently attended a marriage retreat, we get ‘that look’.  You know, where people are thinking that our marriage must have been on the rocks.  But honestly, it wasn’t!  We are in a great place right now and just wanted to be proactive about ensuring we continue building a strong marriage.  And we’ve been hearing such great things about Weekend To Remember that we finally had to check it out ourselves.  So I’m happy to report, it was amazing and I’d highly recommend to anyone.

Radisson Blu ~ A Perfect Romantic Getaway

Our stay at Radisson Blu Mall of America was just icing on the weekend getaway cake.  I love how unique their hotel is.  Check out the lobby!  It radiates a calming blue light.  Elegant and stunning.

And if you need a break and just want to lounge around, these giant baskets hang from the ceiling for a unique seating option.

We were absolutely thrilled with every aspect of our Radisson Blu Mall of America stay.  This 13 story hotel is one of the cleanest we’ve ever stayed at.  And the staff is wonderful.

Our Room: Business Class One Room Suite

Here’s a little video tour (sorry about the lighting, it was already getting dark out when we arrived):

Our room consisted of a large bathroom with a waterfall shower and separate large soaking tub.  There’s also a comfortable seating/living room area that features a sofa, tv, and two arm chairs.

To the side of the living room is a small desk and chair.  Perfect for any business work that needs to be done.

Behind the living room is a separate dining room which includes a little mini bar, Nespresso coffee machine, and fridge.

Off to the side is a spacious bedroom that features a king size bed with premium bedding.  And the pillows were luxurious!

Surprise!

When we first walked into our room, we were greeted by a little gift from the staff.  A heartfelt handwritten card, chocolate covered strawberries, and a bottle of wine.  And let me say, this was delicious treat!

Business Class Lounge – Cocktail Hour & Breakfast

When you stay at the Radisson Blu, I highly suggest upgrading to business class.  You’ll then have full access to their lounge which includes a cocktail hour and breakfast.  Their hors d’oeuvres options change each night.  But here are a few selections from one of our evenings.

Business class breakfast was also delightful.  During the week, it is served up in the lounge.  For the weekends, you’ll find the spread laid out at the back of the cocktail bar.

The breakfast buffet included items like:

• Eggs
• Sausage
• Oatmeal
• Breakfast Potatoes
• Fruit
• Yogurt
• Toast
• Bagels
• Cinnamon Rolls
• Pastries
• Coffee, Milk, Water
• & More

If you plan your visit but chose to forgo the business class upgrade, you’ll find a variety of scrumptious food options for every meal in the FireLake Grill House.  We’ve enjoyed the selections we’ve tried from there throughout our stays as well.  And, the restaurant even offers 24-hour room service!

So if you’re looking for a place to get away for the weekend, be sure to check out Radisson Blu MOA.

You can get away together and start working on these tips for building a strong marriage.  But they also offer great packages for family stays, shopping extravaganzas, and even girlfriend spa getaways too!

So sit down together with your spouse and make some changes…TODAY!

Maybe head off for that overnight at the Radisson Blu Mall of America Hotel or a near by Radisson Blu option if you’re from further away.  Sit down and discuss your marriage, wants, likes, and needs.  Make a plan and then put it into action immediately!  Start incorporating these tips for building a strong marriage.  Having a great marriage takes hard work, persistence, and dedication.

Connect With Radisson Blu Mall Of America

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Or visit the Radisson Blu website to find your closest location.

If you have any great tips for building a strong marriage, be sure to leave them below in the comments for others to read!