10 Ways of Showing Complete Fidelity in Marriage

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines fidelity as both “the quality or state of being faithful," along with being "[accurate and exact] in details.” When it comes to fidelity in marriage, the details really do matter. Through small and simple things, you can show your spouse that you are completely committed to them, and to your marriage.

Fidelity in marriage demands 100% commitment and prioritizing your spouse above all else. Will that take effort? Work? Sacrifice? Yes, yes, and yes! But, the reward is far sweeter than any price you may feel you have to pay. Loyalty & fidelity are vital to a happy, healthy, safe, and lasting marriage. Loyalty is the foundation of true love. When you show your loyalty through these 10 ways, your spouse will feel safe and secure with you and with your marriage.

1. Loyal spouses are respectful of each other - in private and in person. 

Loyal spouses listen carefully and attentively to each other. They don’t let their loyalty lie with the TV, with their phone, or with their computer. Loyal spouses always speak highly of each other - especially when their spouses aren’t around. You know the all-too easy temptation to poke fun at something silly your wife did during your golf-trip - don’t do it. And ladies, don’t husband-bash in the break-room at work. You know better.

2. Loyal spouses use the internet and social media in positive and uplifting ways. 

They keep their interactions with members of the opposite sex appropriate and distanced. They keep their eyes, hands, and hearts to themselves. They avoid tempting situations. They focus instead on using the internet and social media in positive ways. They avoid pornography and other inappropriate images, chatrooms, and websites that would cause them to be unfaithful to their spouse in their heart or mind.

​READ: 10 WAYS TO CONNECT WITH YOUR SPOUSE

3. Loyal spouses stand up for each other. 

Loyal spouses stand up for each other in all situations. Is someone poking fun of your wife or making a cutting remark over dinner? Don’t laugh, politely ask them to knock it off and then share something you love about your wife. For example, “You don’t know what you are talking about. You must not know Rachel. She is the most light-hearted, genuine, and remarkable woman around."

4. Loyal spouses keep private things private. 

Loyal spouses keep certain things just between the two of them. Ladies, this means that you need to keep your distance with your mom (don’t push her away, just keep a healthy distance). Mom doesn’t need to know every detail about your intimate life, your financial situation, or your little disagreement last night. Mom is no longer your go-to person. Your husband is. Loyal spouses are also careful not to turn to co-workers, friends, or online connections to discuss private issues. Sure, at times it may be necessary to confide in a professional counselor, but that probably wouldn't include your cube-mate.

5. Loyal spouses keep their interactions with members of the opposite sex professional and appropriate. 

They act as though they would if their spouse was right there with them. Loyal spouses keep a healthy distance between themselves and members of the opposite sex. They don’t flirt, touch, or tease members of the opposite sex. Ladies, this means that you don’t tell your male co-worker every last detail about everything in your life. You don’t have nicknames for each other and share inside jokes. Men, that means you don't gently touch your female co-worker's shoulder when you come up from behind to ask her a question. You remain professional, friendly, loyal, and kind.

6. Loyal spouses make decisions, together as husband and wife (regardless of what their parents, neighbors, friends, and co-workers think).  

They don’t do things because his mom told them that’s the way to do it. They talk through issues and important decisions together and decide what is best for their individual family. They also don’t make important decisions on their own, without consulting each other. Which leads us to #7...

7. Loyal spouses are an open book with each other. 

They don’t keep secrets from each other. They are open and honest with each other in little things and big things. They work to know each other in a deeply intimate way. They share the details of their day and aren't afraid to answer hard questions. 

READ: MARRIAGE IS LIKE A GAME WITHOUT RULES

8. Loyal spouses turn to each other first. 

When a significant event takes place, or when a specific challenge arises, loyal spouses reach out to each other first. Before telling their friends, parents, or social media. They stay in contact throughout the day, and happily reunite at the end of the day. They share the happy, sad, good, bad, ugly, beautiful, and wonderful with each other - FIRST. And then with others.

9. Loyal spouses prioritize their spouse above all else. 

Loyal spouses give their time, energy, and talents to serving their spouse. They put each other first - above work, above hobbies, above crafting, above golfing, above cleaning the house, above friends, above extended family, above babies. Loyal spouses don’t let children take priority over their spouse. That certainly doesn't mean they don't give needed and undivided attention to their children. It simply means they remember at all times that the one of the greatest sources of comfort and security a child can have is to know their parents love each other.

10. Loyal spouses give high priority to the nurturing of their marriage.

Loyal spouses keep the promises they made to each other on the day they were married. Loyal spouse don't run away when challenges arise. Rather, they learn to work through challenges in healthy ways.

Loyal spouse are each other’s best friends. They cultivate romance, love, and intimacy on a regular basis. They remember each other’s birthdays and anniversaries. They encourage and stand by each other during stressful and challenging times.

Loyal spouses give their best selves to their spouse, rather than leaving them with the leftovers. They strive to be better for each other each and every day and love sincerely and deeply.

Photo Credit: Jason Corey Photography

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