Do you want to save your marriage? If you are currently experiencing emotional turmoil within your marriage then thoughts of divorce will have weighed heavily on your mind. Is divorce the only option?

We don't know the state of your marriage or whether too much damage has been done by either you or your partner but in many cases, when the commitment is made to make every effort to save the marriage, then the chances it will survive and work again are good.

And making that commitment to yourself, your marriage and your partner first is where it all starts. Is your partner showing the same level of enthusiasm? Be warned that they need to meet you on some common ground here otherwise any effort to save this marriage will all be in vain. The both of you need to commit firstly, put petty differences behind you and begin to disect some of the things which may be contributing to issues.

So let's take a look at the five things you'll need to consider if you want to save your marriage. These tips are expanded upon in the Magic Of Making Up system:

1. Project yourself five years into the future and ask yourself whether this is the person you want to be with. If the answer is no or even confusing then you must resolve any issues here and now before you move on.

2. If you are the most committed to this task then it's up to you to do the most changing. That's if you really want this marriage to survive and flourish again.

3. Look at your personal habits. Analyze them and ask yourself questions such as if I was the other person would some of my habits be irritating? You'll be surprised at the responses here, even shocked but this is something that needs to be done and crucial to the overall outcome.

4. Communication is vital. Yes it's something you know you need to be doing but it always bears repeating. You will need to get to know him/her again and that will mean taking an interest in what they like and do even if it's not really your "cup of tea."

5. Sitting down with a therapist or counselor for several sessions is also a must if you want to save your marriage. Now while either of you may not think it is necessary the truth is, a third opinion will spot things about your relationship you won't see. They will have the ability to open up to each other with a particular line of questioning.