love issues: getting through tough times

According to Jennifer Baker, of the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology, 50% of first marriages in America end in divorce. There are many speculations about the various causes of these divorces, with communication, sexual, financial, and addiction problems being a few of the most widely named reasons among researchers. In addition, there are several events that could occur during marriage that are said to increase the likelihood of divorce.

A lot (but certainly not all) of the problems associated with divorce tend to stem from a lack of communication about the inner-workings of marriage before those papers are signed. Many people get into marriage thinking that their love for each other will fix any and all problems they may encounter in the future. Unfortunately, there are a few marital challenges that are extremely difficult for most couples to overcome. But somehow, many marriages are able to get through these tough situations.

What have you done in the past to get through difficult times with your spouse? Have you found that some strategies work better than others?