3 things your marriage needs this Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is coming! Prepare yourself for an onslaught of Instagram posts featuring bright flowers, sparkling jewelry, and oversized teddy bears.

Your feed is about to get #blessed. If you get to know me for more than 10 seconds, you know that’s not what I’m about. Heck, my husband isn’t even on social media. And I’m OK with that.

One study wanted to find out if couples who post excessively about each other are actually happier in their relationships.

Spoiler alert: They’re not. The the Rachel Cruze Show. You’ll learn about money mistakes that can ruin your relationship, and practical ways to communicate and work better together.

Be willing to have tough conversations

My friend Dr. Les Parrott says conflict is the price we pay for a deeper level of intimacy. You can disagree, and still make space to hear each other.

Hashing it out, putting in the work, and coming from a place of understanding will only make you stronger.

And by the way, I’m a huge fan of counseling for every marriage, not just the ones in crisis mode.

Don’t compare your marriage to someone else’s

Comparison will steal your joy and frustrate your spouse. Too many people let Instagram-level expectations form their values and family priorities.

I’ve been there, too, and I know it’s an empty and endless battle trying to keep up. Spend that time and energy focusing on all the things you truly love about your spouse, and the life you’ve already built together.

Flowers will die, and jewelry will tarnish. But a relationship built on these three principles will make your marriage a blessing, not just #blessed.