Just as CPR can save a dying person, CPR can save a marriage.

“C” stands for commitment. A couple must be committed to doing whatever it takes to make the marriage work. “P” stands for purpose. A couple must share a sense of purpose in building a home and family. “R” stands for respect. Despite marriage’s ups and downs a couple must show respect for one another.

Married couples start out with a level of attraction, common ground and shared interests. It then takes work to sustain a marriage to function to its maximum.

All parts of CPR require dedication to keep a marriage alive, vibrant and moving forward. Marriages must be tended to, or they become stale.

One way to do that is by recognizing the blessings and success in our marriage - the home, family and even the spiritual aspect of our lives.

Another way to establish CPR is by strengthening your purpose by creating common activity. A joint project, reading and discussing the same book or taking a class together can strengthen a couple’s common purpose. These activities should be scheduled in just as everything else in our hectic lives.

These activities don’t have to be long and difficult. Even small gestures, such as preparing a favorite food, lending a hand to a spouse’s chore, or leaving small gifts tell your spouse, “I’m thinking of you.”

Small things can show respect. The things done may have little value to the one doing them, but are done out of love for the other. Asking your spouse’s opinion on matters or showing concern for your spouse’s dignity also shows respect.

A man went to pick up his mother-in-law from the airport. When she thanked him, the man said, “You need not thank me. I didn’t do this for you, but out of respect for my wife.”

A couple that does small tasks with and for each other develops a better bond. A couple that makes CPR - Commitment, common Purpose and Respect - the focus of their marriage may still experience normal bumps along the road of marriage, but the strength of their commitment will help their marriage flourish.