"During these challenging times even secure relationships are put to the test.  When couples come to me for marriage counselling I've lost count of the times they think it always has to be huge changes to improve their relationship.  Not so - here are some basic lifelines to give food for thought - perhaps try one today?"

• Remind yourself of your partner's positive qualities
• Tell your partner one of the things they do that you really appreciate
• Find gratitude for positive actions - when did your partner last hear a genuine "thank you" for something positive they had done?
• If your marriage is heavily invested in the parenting stage, remember neither of you need another mother or a father.  Are you "parenting" your partner?  A critical parental voice doesn't help in a marriage.
• Lastly, lay down the guilt.  Whether for parenting or in your relationship don't take all the credit and don't take all the blame!