Every year my friend went to the doctor for a check-up. I knew I should have done the same, but I wasn’t as diligent. There were times I even told her I wish I was as disciplined at going to the doctor as she was. Well, several years ago, her doctor discovered the earliest development of breast cancer. Since they discovered it so early they were able to remove it and she has not had a problem since. If she had not had a routine check-up the problem would have gotten worse and worse, perhaps to a point where nothing could be done.
Routine medical check-ups are important to your physical health. Routine marriage check-ups are also important for the health of your relationship. We have put together a marriage quiz so you can evaluate your overall health. The check-up works best when both partners take it and then compare answers. The goal is to pinpoint problem areas, praise positive areas, and increase communication. Try to take this check-up once a year. Save your answers and compare them from year to year.
Rate your marriage on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being best.
- What is your marriage’s weak spot?
- What is its strong point?
- On a scale of 1 – 10, how committed are you to making your marriage last?
- Do you and your spouse share enough fun times? When was the last time you and your spouse laughed together?
- Do you and your spouse spend enough time alone with each other? When was the last time you spent an evening alone together, in a social way?
- Would you like more compliments from your spouse/ When was the last time you complimented your spouse?
- On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being best, how would you rate your sexual interaction? Do you feel comfortable talking with your spouse about how to improve this area?
- How do you feel when your spouse criticizes you?
- When was the last time you criticized your spouse?
- Would your spouse rather have a back rub, a quiet hour to read, a home-cooked meal or an afternoon at the movies?
- Is your spouse your best friend? Why or why not?
- Are you willing to change to make your marriage better?
Fill in the blank:
The thing I like most about my spouse is her/his _________.
I wish we had more time to _________.
I love it when my spouse ___________.
The thing my spouse understands least about me is _________.
One thing I miss most from our dating days is _________.
The thing we argue about the most is ____________.
If I could change two things about myself, to better please my spouse, it would be _________ and __________.
Tell us! What things do you need to work on?
