In the movies we are always shown the happily ever after ending, but what happens after the screen goes blank and the lights go up? The best way to better your marriage is through communication and empathy. Marriage is a bond that needs to be nurtured and if it is neglected over time that bond will show signs of that neglect. We as people are constantly in a state of flux as we walk through life, it is important that you regularly connect with your partner as you walk life's road together.

Conflicts within a marriage are the leading cause of marital discord and divorce, but conflict can actually help you to better your marriage! How people approach, deal with, and solve a conflict can bring them closer and strengthen the bond between them.

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Your first tool in how to better your marriage is empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand the other person's viewpoint from an emotional as well as mental perspective. If you can visualize how they feel about a situation it makes it easier to understand why they respond as they do to a particular conflict and thus which steps to take to solve the conflict.

Being able to respond with empathy is another key to better your marriage. Once your partner has stated their feelings it is important to acknowledge them and realize why your actions have led to them feeling angry or sad or hurt. It is also a way for you to understand what it is about your actions that caused this reaction in them and to, in the future; steer away from creating situations that cause negative reactions in your partner. This works both ways.

Always try to take a positive approach to conflicts. Be calm, state your feelings clearly and try not to be confrontational. No one enjoys having their faults picked out or enjoys being shouted at or made to feel inferior. Always keep criticism constructive and keep the conflict in the present tense. Rehashing old issues will not assist in clearing up the present conflict.

A good way to better your marriage is to discuss your feelings rather than your partner's failings. If something they have done has upset you, rather than pick on the action, explain how the action made you feel and why. This is a wonderful tool in resolving conflicts as it highlights your standpoint without breaking down your partner.

When working on a solution it makes sense to aim for a happy resolution for both parties. One sided conflict solution is only going to leave one of the parties dissatisfied with the results. Try to compromise and choose options that suit you both. Always make positive choices. It will only cause more problems if you resolve a conflict in such a way that you both feel as though you come out on the losing end, with both being denied their wishes, along the lines of "If I can't do this, then you cannot do that."

Touch base with your partner about how they are feeling about your mutual progress after your conflict. This could be an ideal chance for some quality time alone together. Plan a romantic dinner and regularly spend time assessing your relationship. This is another great way to better your marriage.

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