Couples Urged to Strengthen Marriages Ahead of Valentine’s Day

UPDATE: As Valentine’s Day approaches, experts are urging couples to take immediate steps to strengthen their marriages. With National Marriage Week currently underway, the focus is on building healthier relationships that last beyond the holiday.

According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. marriages rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, with nearly 2.1 million marriages recorded in 2022, a 4% increase from the previous year. This surge highlights the importance of fostering strong relationships as society emerges from challenging times.

Rian Gordon, coordinator of the Utah Marriage Commission, shared critical advice on how couples can maintain a healthy marriage. “Regular check-ins on each other’s day-to-day lives are essential,” Gordon stated in an interview with ARC Salt Lake. Scheduling daily and weekly catch-ups fosters trust and helps address minor issues before they escalate.

Gordon emphasizes the significance of fun in relationships. “Healthy friendships are the foundation of good relationships. Regular date nights are linked to higher relationship satisfaction,” she explained. Being intentional about these moments can make a substantial difference, regardless of the relationship stage.

Beyond special occasions, Gordon suggests that couples engage in small, daily gestures to deepen their connection. “Valentine’s Day is a chance to recommit, but love should be celebrated every day,” she stated. “When we do that, it keeps us close and strengthens our bond.”

Gordon further noted that healthy relationships require skill and practice. “Good relationships can be developed through learned techniques and improved communication,” she said. The Utah Marriage Commission provides valuable resources, including the RELATE relationship assessment and a variety of free podcasts, webinars, and e-courses, to help couples enhance their understanding of their relationship dynamics.

As Valentine’s Day draws near, couples are encouraged to take these actionable steps to ensure lasting love and connection. The increasing number of marriages signifies a growing desire for commitment and partnership, underscoring the need for ongoing effort in relationships.

For those looking to strengthen their marriages, the time to act is now. Celebrate love not just on February 14, but every day, to build a resilient and fulfilling relationship.