Say this to build an uncommon marriage By Tony and Lauren Dungy l Uncommon Marriage l Marriage Advice

As you read our story in Uncommon Marriage, you’ll discover that an uncommon marriage isn’t a perfect one; it’s simply the union of a man and a woman who commit to staying together and to following God’s leading as He shows them how to love and serve one another a little better every day. Through all our marital experiences—managing busy work schedules, caring for kids, moving, and even navigating grief—we’ve hung on to simple truths, including one big one: giving up on the marriage was never an option.

Making time to communicate daily in a constructive, healthy way is critical to preventing you and your spouse from drifting apart. Good communication is a lifelong goal, but we’ve found ten simple statements that will go a long way in helping you build an uncommon marriage.

What does it take to build a marriage that will last? Tony and Lauren Dungy have together known the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. In Uncommon Marriage, Tony and Lauren share the secrets that hold them together. They offer encouragement and practical advice to equip your marriage to survive tough issues and flourish with joy, purpose, and partnership—in other words, to be a marriage that is truly uncommon. (Images courtesy of Tyndale Momentum.)

Say “Your interests and dreams are important to me”

Lauren: Chances are that you and your spouse, like Tony and me, don’t gravitate to all the same activities. That’s a good thing! God brings different people together for a reason. But you need to let your spouse know that you value his or her interests and dreams as well as your own. I supported Tony in his football career, and it was important to me that he supported my passion too. So whether it’s taking a little more time to understand what your spouse loves or choosing to do something with your partner that you don’t necessarily enjoy, make an effort to let him or her know you care because he or she cares.