Best marriage/long relationship advice you’ve been given?

I would just love to hear some advice you’ve been given that you truly feel makes a difference in your relationship?

For me I have 2.

First one is every day try to just hug silently for at least 7 seconds. Something about that timeframe helps relax and bond you if I remember right. Years ago I mentioned it to my husband and now we do it all the time, but not every single day (even though we’ve both said we’d like to try harder to). We usually try in the morning before work and it always calms any anxiety I feel and gives him a comforting feeling. I really feel like that makes our relationship better when we’re in a tough place.

Second is advice I don’t get to use yet, but very much look forward to one day! My grandma and grandpa have been married 68 years together for 70, they still go on date night every Friday night, vacation, and just genuinely enjoy each other’s company, this advice comes from her.

Always put your husband above your children. Not far, just a hair, they’re always a super close second. You love your children with every ounce you have, but that extra sprinkle is for your husband. As a kid I thought she was bonkers, how could you do that I thought? And then she would explain. You only have those children because of the love and passion you shared. Your children are only with you a short time and then they go start their own family or life leaving just you and your husband. If throughout their childhood you both only focus on them or one partner feels neglected then when the kids are gone you have nothing left bonding you. As my husband and I consider when we want kids I always think about this and will try to always make sure he knows he’s my #1. I have many friends who love their kids to death, but have let them negatively impact their relationship and I refuse to let something we created out of love put a wedge between us. Take care of the marriage and the marriage takes care of the children, when mom and dad are happy and lovey it gives the children healthy examples to look up to!