After 29 years of marriage, I can sum up my best advice in three words: Just. Hang. On. Before your marriage can thrive, it has to survive. I promise you this: All the good stuff is on the other side of whatever problem you’re facing. When you feel like giving up, that’s the time to double down. Let’s think logically: Nobody gets divorced during the good times. That means THE WHOLE BALL GAME is weathering the storms. And trust me, the storms will come. Years ago, when my marriage was struggling, an older mentor told me something that stuck: A great marriage is built, not found. If your partner… > Isn’t crazy (increasingly rare these days) > Shares your core values > Wants a great relationship …then you’ve got all the building blocks you need. But you still have to BUILD. And just as importantly, STOP tearing down. Try this simple hack for 30 days: Each morning, say, “I have the best spouse in the world.” Even if you’re not sure you believe it, say it anyway. Make it your mantra. Say it to your partner. YOU GO FIRST. I bet you’ll be shocked at how they respond in kind. Words have power. What you say shapes your beliefs, which inform your actions. It becomes self-fulfilling. Burn the boats and go all in. There’s a massive difference between being 99% committed and 100% committed. These days my wife and I talk all the time about how great a life we’ve built together. I shudder to think where I’d be if we didn’t hang on through the tough times. Nearly three decades in, we’re still building. I encourage you to do the same. 📸: 2006: One in the nest, building. 2026: Empty nest, still building. P.S. It goes without saying that “just hang on” doesn’t apply to abusive relationships.