Watch the video: “I am a high-class spouse” – With these seven tips you can too.
Ten years of relationship and not a single fight: This is what 42-year-old Tommy McCollister says about his marriage to his 41-year-old wife Dianne.
The happy couple have two children together – Tyson, 15, and Taron, 12 – and say their relationship is getting better every year.
But Tommy also admits her difficult start. They met when they were 17 and 18 years old.
“We had a difficult first four years. There was infidelity and substance abuse on my part. We broke up for 18 months and when we got back together I needed a life change.” -Tommy
The couple has been together for 24 years and married for 16 years.
“We make decisions based on commitments – not based on emotions and feelings. I am committed to being a great husband.” -Tommy
Tommy and Dianne often see couples struggling with trust, communication, or intimacy issues.
“Usually there’s an intimacy issue because they’re talking about kids or bills instead of fun stuff. You have to make time for each other every day. Just like we find time to eat. We need to look at shared quality time on the same level.” -Tommy
The couple firmly believes that people should be open, honest and vulnerable with their better half.
“You are enough for yourself. The partner is an added bonus that only makes life more wonderful.” -Tommy
The two constantly worked on themselves to achieve what they describe as a “10 out of 10 marriage.”
“We never raise our voices against each other or use words that could hurt. We must care for our partner as if they were ourselves. No days off, day after day.” -Tommy
These are Tommy and Dianne’s seven tips for a happy relationship:
- Work on constantly improving yourself to be the best version of yourself.
- Surround yourself with like-minded people.
- Be there for each other. Take 30 seconds, hug each other every morning, rarely watch TV together, make intimacy a commitment.
- Make decisions based on commitments, not emotions or feelings.
- Make time every day to spend quality time together, even if it means cutting something else out of your life.
- Be open, honest and vulnerable.
- Be your partner’s biggest advocate.