Married? Here's some practical MBS advice.

From time to time, all of us take stock of our lives and the relationships that we have. Though there may be areas of uncertainty or apprehension, still we have many reasons to be thankful... thankful for our family, our friends, our job and business associates, and the good things in life.

A very special area in our lives, that should be a major area of thankfulness, is our marriage. If it's not, we have the power to do something about it. If your marriage needs help ... help it!! Start focusing on your spouse and not on yourself. Selfishness in business results in lower productivity, lost sales and possibly the loss of your job. Selfishness at home leads to unhappiness, arguments and possibly to divorce. The opposite of "selfish" is "selfless" and the following suggestions point out a few easy ways that all of us can improve our marriages by focusing on our spouse.

If your spouse is a "High D" person and needs to be in a decision making role ... INCLUDE HIM OR HER IN DECISIONS. Sincerely ask for their opinion ... you're a team and their input may be the difference between a right or a wrong decision. Two people butting heads accomplish little. Two people in agreement will accomplish more than they would have separately.

If your spouse is a "High E" person and neeeeeds to talk ... LISTEN ... OR BETTER YET, INTERACT! You must have listened once or you probably never would have gotten married. Listen even if you're tired and want to watch your favorite TV show. You will never know what is going on with an extrovert if you don't take the time to talk with them.

If your spouse is a "High P" person and hates to be rushed or to be put under pressure ... EASE OFF A LITTLE. Stop complaining that they won't jump when you come to them with last minute plans. Their focus on harmony will often cause them to "put up" with you and rush ... but there are limits. Be aware of their schedule and plans, and things will go much more smoothly.

If your spouse is a "High S" person and is not as flexible as you would like, or if they drive you crazy with what's "right" and what's "wrong" ... LISTEN TO THEM. Sincerely consider what they're saying ... they probably know what their talking about. Focus on what you both agree on and build from there. If you disagree with what they "know" is right, start by focusing on what you do agree on and build on that.

Considering the other person's point of view is important in the work place as we strive to improve communication and increase productivity. It is imperative that we apply this same considerate attitude in our marriage.

There is no better way to show your love than to lay aside your own temperament and start focusing on that of your spouse. They don't have to understand temperament traits, but they will understand that you are making the attempt to improve your relationship. Results will be immediate ... it works every time.

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