Pixar's new "Inside Out" does a great job of explaining the differences between a man and a woman's thought process. My husband and I love the part where Dad's emotions were watching sports instead of paying attention to the family conversation at dinner.

Some of the difficulties in marriages can be attributed to common gender differences. Referring to marriage at a 2014 international conference on the family, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks said, "It is the meeting of opposites that generates diversity." And that diversity can be the foundation for a strong, loving marriage.

Here are a few ways you can appreciate the differences in your spouse.

It's hard to apologize

Yes, your husband feels remorse. Sometimes he may even see the error of his ways. But it's hard for him to say those things. Apologies are easier to give, though, if they are well-received. To strengthen your marriage, both of you should work on getting really good at giving and receiving apologies.

He doesn't notice little things

New dress? Highlights? He might not pick up on these things. Angry wife? He probably will catch on to that - eventually. Make things better by not setting him up to fail; he's not a mind reader. Instead of waiting for him to notice something, tell him about it. For best results add, "I bought this new dress. Please tell me you love it."

He doesn't want to talk about his feelings

Feelings are dangerous ground for many men, whether theirs or someone else's. Women say 20,000 words a day. Men say about one-third of that. However, if your husband has something to say, he will say it. His silence doesn't automatically mean he's mad. It can mean he's said his piece. Rather than badger him about not sharing, listen carefully when he does. It will encourage more talking in the future.

He doesn't need the same social outlet that you do

We are not unlike the animal kingdom when it comes to social circles. For many species, females live in a herd with their offspring while males live in small groups or on their own. Chances are your Facebook friends list is much longer than his. To make this work for both of you, be sure your No. 1 friend is your husband - and the one other friend he has is in second place behind you.

Two pairs of pants and three shirts make a wardrobe

It's true that some men's wardrobes will rival their wives', but for many it's not a priority. This doesn't make him a slob; it means his priorities are elsewhere. If nothing else, just come to an agreement that you won't bug him about his lack of outfits and he won't bug you about your excess pairs of shoes. As a bonus, maybe he'll let you use the extra space on his side of the closet.

The speed limit sign isn't a recommended minimum

If your husband's need for speed and quest for adventure makes you fearful, explain to him that you love him and want to grow old together.

The bottom line is this: Everything your husband does that annoys you creates an opportunity for both of you to flex the muscle of diversity and strengthen your relationship in the process. Learning more about the interdependent nature of marriage will help you make yours stronger.

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Reese's Peanut Butter Cups illustrate exactly the reason it's OK - even desirable - to have differences in your marriage. Too many times women spend effort trying to change their husbands to be something contrary to their nature.

Yes, everyone should be consistently working to improve their relationship; but some of the annoying things your husband does really are helping your marriage. You just have to be willing to see the positive. In his recent encyclical, Pope Francis taught that our differences are on purpose. "Harmony. All complementarities were made by our Creator," he said.

He tries to fix everything around the house

From changing brake pads on your car to finishing the basement, men tend to think, "I got this," even when they have very little knowledge and no experience in that area. How hard can it be to run a chainsaw, right? This can, unfortunately, backfire. But, that can-do attitude should be applauded. When he is confident in his ability to make things work, he's more likely to put effort into other areas of his life - like his marriage.

He tries to fix your problems as well

For the most part, a woman wants to talk about her problems with someone who will listen and say, "You're doing your best." She does not want to hear, "You need to ... " A man, on the other hand, will tackle a problem with your boss the same way he would a loose board - with a hammer. His mantra usually is, "see a problem, fix a problem." When your husband gives you a solution to a problem you weren't seeking help with, know in your heart he's saying, "I love you and I want to help," - it's just that it's in code.

Sex: the answer to every problem

Another not-so-secret code is that typically men like sex and figure that particular rush of endorphins is a cure for just about any ill. Whether you're tired, hungry, nervous or your back hurts, he likely has one particular solution in mind. And truthfully, often there is a satisfying closeness with your husband and the world at large after physical intimacy, even if you weren't particularly in the mood. When he says, "Let's go to bed," he may well have your best interest at heart.

He's helpless when he's sick

If you get sick, the world keeps turning. If your husband gets sick, it's a little off-kilter. For some completely nonscientific reason, men who can bench press twice their body weight are knocked completely cold by a case of the sniffles. The truth is, men are totally capable of caring for themselves, but if you make him a bowl of chicken soup, that tells him you really care. It's the one time in his life he will show his vulnerability. Be kind during those sweet moments.

He keeps coming up with last-minute invites

"We should do that sometime" doesn't work for a woman. "Let's go to the 7 o'clock showing tomorrow" is a much better plan. But trying to nail your husband down sometimes can be like herding cats. It's not that he doesn't want to spend time with you; it's the commitment thing. Men like their freedom. It might drive you crazy, but try to be flexible. And if he ever invites you to go for a ride, say yes, if you possibly can - even if it's to the hardware store. Those spontaneous moments matter in a relationship.

You likely were attracted to your spouse because of the way he completes you. At a Humanum worldwide conference on marriage in 2014, religious leader Henry B. Eyring said, "Our differences combined as if they were designed to create a better whole." What he really is saying is, even though men and women are different, they're "two great things that go great together." Take the time to savor each other.

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Thriving relationships require ongoing attention. And when the flame starts to flicker, it's time to re-evaluate if your actions are in line with your priorities. So to avoid having things get too crazy in your relationship, take a look to see if you're guilty of these five things.

You cheat yourselves of quality time

Since the invention of iThis and iThat, we seem to always be connected. Despite the good intentions of using today's tech to help us manage our schedules, we often just put more on our plates. Although tech is awesome - like the fact that you have a digital reminders system, notes and calendar in your pocket - it often presents problems and disrupts the time we spend with those that matter most.

Every relationship needs a foundation that's built upon quality time. We suggest taking a break from your devices periodically to ensure you're giving and getting the most out of the time you have with your hubby. You may be surprised how nice it is to look into his eyes and cuddle with him without having the temptation to snap a couple's selfie and post it to Facebook.

You're not talking enough about money

According to a Money Magazine survey, couples fight twice as much about money as they do about sex. Lots of potential pitfalls come into play for couples when it comes to money.

But you had a tough day and that purse seemed to have "will make you feel better," written all over it"¦ The best way to get rid of this is to communicate better.

Communication can help you set financial expectations as a couple and thus avoid impulse or emotional purchases. When you're aligned in your actions, you make more intelligent decisions.

You're not setting the mood

Little details matter and when we fail to execute and create a mood, any function can fall short of greatness. Whether it's actually setting and sitting at the dinner table, lighting around the house, or something else, creating an atmosphere appropriate for specific occasions can really enhance your time together.

This same principle applies to romance and intimacy in your relationship. Take the time to create an ambience that facilitates and encourages you being close and affectionate with your man.

You're terrible at showing affection

Couples tend to settle into routines over time and that's not inherently bad. Routine helps us get things accomplished throughout the day and can establish good habits. But routines in your love life can be like throwing water on the flame of romance.

Let your husband know that you want him to date you. Let him know you expect him to plan dates and hold him to it. Rather than just saying, "I love you," try to show it.

Four traits of failed marriages

In a comprehensive study spanning 20 years, Doctors John and Julie Gottman identified four attributes that were likely to contribute to the end of a marriage. They were able to observe a couple for five minutes and predict with 90 percent accuracy whether that marriage would last or end in divorce.

In honest self-evaluation consider if you use any of these communication styles with your partner: criticism, contempt, defensiveness or stonewalling. Often the problem is not so much what you say, but how you say it - or don't say it.

When problems arise in your marriage, the best thing you can do is to identify what's causing them and take appropriate actions to snap things back into place.

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This article is brought to you by Bloom, an online resource of support and education for women working to recover from betrayal and broken relationships. Get answers from experts, connect with women like you, and begin the healing process today. Click here to watch the video.

The good news is most millennials are hopeful about marriage. A 2012 study by Clark University found 86 percent of people between the ages of 18 to 29 expect their marriages to last a lifetime. Perhaps that's why it's so devastating to a woman when someone, or something, comes between her and her husband.

Sometimes "the other woman" is another woman, but often infidelity starts with an attachment to things, rather than a person.

Craig Nakken author of "The Addictive Personality: Understanding the Addictive Process and Compulsive Behavior" defines addiction as, "A pathological love and trust relationship with an object (person) or event "¦ the out-of-control and aimless searching for wholeness, happiness and peace through a relationship with an object or event."

Here are a few addictions - some that even seem innocent - that might be taking a toll on your marriage.

Work

Marriage coach Mort Fertel told theglobeandmail.com, "99.7 percent of the people I see were not sensitive to work-life balance and as a result got themselves into a crisis situation." A man may think he's providing for his family when he is really neglecting it.

Video games

A study at Brigham Young University found online video gaming hurt marriage satisfaction. The study found "75 percent of spouses of sword-carrying, avatar-loving gamers wish they would put less effort into their guilds and more effort into their marriage" - especially when it came to bedtime routines. And it's not just games that spouses need to unplug from.

Social media

Technology is changing the way people see each other - literally. The University of Missouri found as many as 1 in 5 divorce filings cite problems on Facebook or other social networking websites. "Cutting back to moderate, healthy levels of Facebook usage could help reduce conflict, particularly for newer couples who are still learning about each other," said surveyor Russell Clayton.

'Just a friend'

Licensed marriage and family therapist Dr. Athena Staik says today's workplace has become the new danger zone of opportunities for emotional affairs, surpassed only by the Internet. "A relationship without sex can be just as intense, or more so than a sexual one," she said. And it doesn't take much to cross over the line to physical intimacy

Pornography

Other problems on the Internet involve the all-too-easy-to access pornography. There is a lot of information on the proven harmful effects of pornography on a marriage. Research has shown that after men are exposed to pornography, they rate themselves as less in love with their partner than men who didn't see any porn. As with any addiction, recovery is difficult but possible.

If you find yourself in the more serious of these situations, there is hope. Dr. Kevin Skinner says "betrayal trauma (the aftermath of having been betrayed in your marriage) looks an awful lot like post-traumatic stress disorder" and through support and online classes, women can heal from the trauma and, in some cases, reclaim and strengthen their marriages.

Providing an online support community for women, Bloom is a resource of support and education for women working to recover from betrayal and broken relationships. Get answers from experts, connect with women like you, and begin the healing process today. Click here to watch the video.

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The good news is your wife isn't nagging you about these things. The bad news is that she still needs them, but doesn't want to ask. In your quest to love, honor and cherish your wife, here are a few ways you can give her the signs of affections she really needs but is too afraid to ask.

Respect

No matter what, she needs and deserves your respect. You'll never see eye to eye with your wife on everything, so don't drive a wedge between you determining who is right or wrong. If you have a disagreement, hear her out respectfully. Your wife wants you to listen to her ideas and give them serious consideration. Dr. Amy Bellows says, "Respect allows you to accept another person's point of view whole-heartedly."

Intimacy

It's true men typically think of intimacy in terms of sex. Women generally view intimacy as an emotional closeness. Take the time to meet her need for intimacy by steps as simple as enjoying a hobby together. Therapist Fran Fisher offers couple exercises to recharge your emotional intimacy. The good news is, when you work to improve her idea of intimacy, your idea of intimacy will improve as well. It's a win-win.

Two minutes of undivided attention

While women tend to multitask well, men are often good at focusing on one thing at a time. These qualities complement each other. To make this difference work for your marriage, take time to focus on her when she is talking to you. First, look up from what you are doing, and second, listen. Really listen. Don't just pretend and nod your head. Focus your attention on her and what she is saying. There likely will be a pop quiz on the information later.

Secret signal

Coaches can communicate with their teams from the sidelines. Take a page from his playbook and come up with a discreet way to say, "I love you" and use it often when you're in public.

Confidence

Even if you consider your wife to be your equal in every way, she needs you to be strong and confident. Warning: Don't confuse this as overbearing and brutish. A study in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin

showed that men who are confident without being arrogant are more attractive to women.

Shared vision

The adage is opposites attract, but the truth is that common goals keep a relationship strong. Setting and achieving goals keeps both partners engaged in the marriage and helps to see past the immediate obstacles that will inevitably come your way.

A dynamic relationship

The middle years of a relationship can feel like treading water. But, like floating in the ocean, you're still moving. If you don't make an effort to grow together, you will find yourself drifting apart. There is no standing still.

Spiritual leadership in your home

Whether religious or agnostic, women are, by nature, more in tune with spiritual matters. This means you have to work at keeping up. If your wife attends a worship service, go with her without complaining. Initiate the invitation to pray together at home. In their book, The Soul-Mate Marriage: The Spiritual Journey of Becoming One, authors David and Lisa Frisbee outline the importance of both partners being spiritually invested in the relationship.

Your shower gel

Her sense of smell is keener than yours. There's a reason shower gel marketed toward teen boys do so well. Hint: It's because teen girls - and women - like the smell of a just-washed man.

A best friend

Though you may golf with your buddies every now and then, she needs to talk to her best friend everyday. She needs a bestie who listens to her, who opens up to her and who she can talk to everyday. Acknowledge her need for a best friend and give them time together. She also needs you to be the best friend she can trust. You don't have to abandon all manliness, but taking a few steps to become her best friend will go a long way.

A good laugh every day

Laughing releases endorphins. We love people who make us smile. Express your affection in silly ways. Be playful in your relationship and have fun together. In the words of actress Joanne Woodward, "Sexiness wears thin after awhile and beauty fades, but to be married to a man who makes you laugh every day, ah, now that is a treat."

A little indulgence every now and then

Every once in a while, she just needs a break. Take time to give her a little royal treatment. A nice foot massage, dinner out, or a night in reading a good book may be all she needs to rejuvenate her mind and get the rest and relaxation she needs.

Cariloha believes everyone deserves luxury everyday. Seize the moment to spoil her, pamper her and give her the things she needs most. Visit Cariloha.com for more gift ideas that will make your woman feelfam the love she truly deserves.

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High-tech treasure hunt

Millions of geocaches are hidden around the world - some are in a quiet park, on a bustling street, or in your own neighborhood. Your smartphone is the treasure map. Sign up for a free account at geocaching.com and start hunting immediately.

Tips from the pros: Families with young kids will want to start by searching for bigger caches - they're usually easier to find - and bring something along if your kids like to trade. If your kids are older, they might enjoy the challenge of the microcaches - sometimes as small as a film canister.

Geocaching will introduce you to areas of your town you haven't appreciated before. Soon you'll be looking around for a great place to hide a cache of your own.

Unusual trip to the library

Along the lines of a treasure hunt, but more like a book exchange are Little Free Libraries. You have to find them, but they aren't hidden. More than 25,000 of these gems around the world invite people to "take a book, leave a book" as a grassroots literacy project. There's probably one near you. If not, you could build one.

Expand your circle

For a less-structured adventure, take a map and draw a circle with a radius of how far you can get in a certain amount of time whether that's an hour or an entire day. Then, choose your destination and explore your city. Or, try these five apps - they'll do the legwork for you, if you prefer. The goal is to try something new near you.

Play like a Viking

For a low-tech change of pace, make yourself a koob set. For setup, you'll need an eight-foot 4x4, two 1-inch dowels and five minutes with a saw. To mix things up, after your family is addicted to this new, fun game, take it to a different park every time you play.

Summer sledding

Ice blocking is a great way to cool off on a hot day, and you'll get plenty of exercise lugging your ice back up the hill. You'll need a block of ice (more if you want to be able to sled at the same time), as many towels as ice blocks, and a grassy hill. Fold the towel and put it on the top of the ice and, voilĂ , you have a summer sled. It's quick and cheap, and your crew will be worn out long before your ice melts. Everyone will sleep well that night. A word of caution: Ice blocking has the same inherent risks as sledding. Make sure the landing area is clear; i.e., no buildings, boulders, railings, or roads.

Whatever you do, take advantage of the summer sun to play outside with the ones you love.

_Del Sol is your fun-in-the-sun expert! Check out their line of color-changing sunglasses, flip-flops, T-shirts and more at delsol.com

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If you think you've heard it all when it comes to skin cancer, try again. Here are 6 surprising facts you didn't know about skin cancer.

You can get skin cancer in the dark

Surprisingly, sun damage continues for several hours after exposure to the sun. According to a recent study, less than one second of UV radiation exposure may be all it takes for cancer-causing mutations to damage your skin. The chain reaction caused from even brief UV exposure continues to affect your skin long after you've gone inside. As Yale scientist and researcher Douglas Brash points out, "You're getting the same kinds of DNA damage in your skin for hours after the sunlight exposure has ended."

Researchers think there may be a way to develop an after-exposure sunscreen. Until then, Brash and his colleagues suggest antioxidants like Vitamin E-found in wheat germ, sunflower seeds and spinach-that prevent skin damage from occurring.

Fluorescent light bulbs can damage your skin

The new compact fluorescent bulbs that are saving you money on your power bill can actually emit harmful UV rays inside your house. There is an alternative, but it comes with a trade off. Terry McGowan, director of engineering and technology for the American Lighting Association says LED lights don't emit UV rays, but the blue light at night can mess up your sleep cycle.

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and will account for about 3.5 million cases of cancer in the United States this year alone. On average, one person dies from melanoma every hour. However serious, skin cancer is preventable and almost 100 percent treatable when caught early.

Prevention comes through the old standbys: cover up, avoid the sun in the middle of the day, use sunscreen, don't use a tanning bed and remember the eyes and lips. Watch for changes in your skin, as early detection is key.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in teens and young adults

While its true that people older than 50 are at a greater risk of developing melanoma, the American Academy of Dermatology reports a sobering find: "Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for adolescents and young adults 15-29 years old." While melanoma in children is extremely rare, the rate of melanoma is increasing by about 2 percent per year among Caucasian children from newborn to age 19 in the United States.

Skin cancer is most deadly for people with darker skin

While the numbers stack up against Caucasians - one in three will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime - skin cancer among Latinos, Asians and African Americans is the most deadly because it usually isn't diagnosed until the late stages. Bob Marley died at 36 from an aggressive metastasized melanoma that was thought to be a toenail injury.

Essential Vitamin D is available from sources besides the sun

Yes, your body needs Vitamin D. Yes, you can get it from the sun - in about 20 minutes a day, unless you live in higher altitudes. However, there are other ways - including fortified foods and supplements - of supplying this super nutrient that fights against depression and protects you from colds.

This summer, take advantage of the sunshine, but be sure to take the necessary precautions to protect you and your kids from the harmful effects of the sun's UV rays.

You and your kids can have fun in the sun this summer and still be protected from sunburn and skin damage. Check out DelSol's line of fun, color-changing summertime clothing and accessories to keep your kids safe and having fun in the sun this summer. When you see the Del Sol products change color in the sun, and the color intensifies, it's a good indicator that the UV index is high, and you should probably apply or reapply sunscreen.

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We live in a high-tech and busy world, and there's always somewhere to be and somewhere else to go. Here's a few of our favorite high-, and not so high-tech hacks to help you around the house.

1. Walnuts

Maybe not a technological advancement as they've been around for a pretty long time, but did you know that you can rub walnuts to hide scratches on wood? It can't un-scratch it, but it will make the scratch much harder to see.

5 gadgets every on-the-go mom needs to keep her sanity in check

2. USB outlets

With great power, comes great responsibility to keep things charged - apologies to Spider-Man's Uncle Ben. With all of our cordless devices there also come a million cords to keep them charged, and it can be a complete hassle finding places to plug them all in without monopolizing every outlet in your home. SnapPower makes cool face plates with a built-in USB plug so you never lose your charger and it doesn't take up an outlet, either.

3. Shoe storage

Not only can you use crown molding to improve the physical appearance of your house, it also makes an excellent heel holder to keep your shoes organized, out of the way and - most importantly - together.

4. Sticky notes

Jot down a reminder to clean your keyboard - then run the sticky end of a sticky note between the keys to clean out the gunk that accumulates there.

5. Start your own zoo

Attach the sticky side of Velcro to your wall and stick your lightweight stuffed toys to the Velcro. It keep the animals off the floor and makes corralling the toys fun.

6. Boost your Wi-Fi

Everyone knows you can put your phone in a cup to act as a speaker. The next big easy hack will be to use an aluminum can and a pair of scissors to boost your Wi-Fi. For a bonus that your kids will hate, change the Wi-Fi password every day and only tell them what it is after their chores are done. They'll grumble, but they'll work.

7. Guide lights

Another cover plate option turns your outlets into night-lights that automatically turn on when it gets dark, making them perfect for your child who's too old for a traditional nightlight but still would like a light in the dark. Even better, they'll function as a landing strip in the hallway so you don't trip over a stray G.I. Joe, dinosaur or - worst of them all - a Lego when you wake up in the middle of the night to check on a child.

Snap Power aims to make life simple for families everywhere. Pick up the new SnapPower USB charger or guidelight and simplify your life starting today.

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Everyone gets annoyed, and everyone is annoying. If you find your hubby is making your crazy, maybe the problem isn't him.

In their book "Annoying," science writers Joe Palca and Flora Lichtman speculate that those who are frequently annoyed may be frequently annoying. One way you can make your husband's quirky qualities less annoying is to change your annoyance threshold. Another way is to put a positive spin to some of your husband's annoying habits.

Here are a few of his less-than-lovely habits that you should absolutely love:

Your husband is obsessed with sports

If you don't care for sports or are bothered by having to compete with professional athletes for your husband's attention, keep in mind that an affinity for sports develops an appreciation for teamwork, loyalty and dedication-all good qualities in a mate when properly harnessed.

He works too much

His drive to succeed at work is usually linked to his desire to care and provide for you. A recent survey shows that 87 percent of people are unsatisfied with their job. Unless he's in the 13 percent, one of the big reasons he keeps punching the clock is so he can be your hero and provider. Make sure he knows you appreciate the effort.

Your man channel surfs

Men have a knack for filtering out unimportant information from commercials to small talk. His constant contact with the remote control might be unsettling, but it's because he knows what he wants. His ability to focus on his goals helps him get things done.

He doesn't help around the house

If that's your perception, you likely need to widen your horizons of what is defined as "the house." Maybe he doesn't vacuum often, but does he maintain the car or mow the lawn or manage the money or kill the spiders? All of these are important jobs. How you divide household chores is up to you as a couple, but a woman will be wise to acknowledge there are many compartments in the thing we call "a house." When men know what is expected of them, they will do it. Give him a hint if you need some help. He will fail miserably at guessing what you want them to do.

Your husband has a one-track mind

Well, yes there's that. But aside from thinking about sex - which experts say men can do at any time - your husband probably does better focusing on one task before moving on to the next. "Filtering out distractions helps us to achieve things we couldn't otherwise do. Like making fire," says Dr. Gijsbert Stoet. He also said without women's ability to multitask, our species wouldn't survive. Make the most of these complementary qualities.

Your man doesn't know when to quit

Perhaps it's because of their alpha-male programming, but men tend to be determined and persistent. It's a good quality for hand-to-hand combat. It's also good for setting and achieving goals. Be sure you're involved in the goal-setting process and let his tenaciousness work for your relationship instead of against it.

He has no emotions

A more accurate statement would be your husband doesn't often let his emotions show. Men tend to be analytical problem-solvers. They identify the target; they strike the target. Boom. Boom. Just like that. Sometimes a dispassionate response can calm a situation that would otherwise get out of hand.

7 awful habits that surprisingly strengthen your marriage

Caring for each other means looking past the qualities that irk us and seeing the good in each other. Even though men and women are different, we have a human responsibility toward each other. Whether it's the vulnerable in our community, the poor and the hungry on the other side of the globe or our spouse. Doing good for the world starts at home. Pope Francis recently said, "Although the human race has come to understand the need to address conditions that menace our natural environments, we have been slower to recognize that our fragile social environments are under threat as well. It is therefore essential that we foster a new Human Ecology."

For more insights on strengthening your marriage, visit Humanum.it

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You've been told your whole life to play nice and share. When it comes to marriage, sometimes you have to play a little dirty.

Be selfish

Everyone wants you to do something, and because you're a nurturer, you tend to say yes. Every. Single. Time. From helping a friend move to volunteering at your kid's school, you face lots of demands on your precious 24 hours. Say yes when you can, but say no when it interferes with your couple time. Guard your priority of making your time with your hubby the most important part of your day.

Question everything

Men and women, even married people, are becoming increasingly independent. While it's healthy to have some independence in your relationship, be sure to question whether each decision is best for the marriage, not for either individual.

Keep secrets

Say the actual words "I love you" often and back them up with acts of kindness - at least once every day. But also develop secret code words that translate into "I love you" and try to use them in public settings. Instead of pig Latin or geek speak, come up with your own form of lovers' lingo that only you two understand and speak it often.

Flirt

Catch your husband's eye and smile. Play footsie under the table. Brush past him a little too closely. Do the things that make you feel seductive. Playing on your feminine wiles reconnects a part of you with a part of him that both of you need. Make an invitation - subtle or overt - and then be sure to show up for the party.

Gossip

Emotional security is important to both women and men, though men might not admit it. When you tell each other secrets, with complete confidence that it won't get back to your mother or his best friend, other areas in your marriage will be stronger and you will improve your relationship as a couple.

Hang up on people

Look around the next time you're in a restaurant. Very likely, more than half the people will be on their phones. We have a need to connect; start by connecting with the people you are with physically. Create and enforce "no-tech" boundaries in your marriage. Make a no-tech rule for the dinner table and the bedroom. Limit your bedroom to two activities ... texting should not be one of them.

Be touchy

Humans need physical touch. Yes - that kind - and also nonsexual touches like cuddling, dancing and leaning your head on his shoulder. Experts conclude you need at least eight hugs a day. Hug your husband every day - quick little "bro hugs" and at least one good long embrace. Hold hands every chance you get - when you are walking, driving, watching a movie or sitting in church. On your pew, put the parents in the middle and the kids on either side.

7 flaws your husband has that you should absolutely love

We rarely hear it, but sometimes we need to cultivate "marriage focused" habits to support our marriages and families. In a world that's becoming increasingly filled with information and entertainment, we are often encouraged to do good externally by traveling to foreign lands or fighting to protect the environment. This is important, but we are rarely encouraged to fight for our most immediate environment, our marriages. Doing good for the world, starts at home. Pope Francis recently said, "Although the human race has come to understand the need to address conditions that menace our natural environments, we have been slower to recognize that our fragile social environments are under threat as well. It is therefore essential that we foster a new Human Ecology."

No matter how long you have been married, it's important to find ways every day to reconnect and nurture that relationship with your closest friend.

For more insights on strengthening your marriage, visit Humanum.it

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