Marriage, with its intricate blend of joys and challenges, can sometimes teeter on the brink of unraveling. Dr. Jyoti Kapoor, founder-director and senior psychiatrist at Manasthali, offers insightful steps to salvage a marriage that appears on the verge of divorce. Before contemplating separation, couples can consider these steps to foster understanding and rebuild their bond.

1. Open Communication: Foster an environment of open and honest communication. Create a safe space where both partners can express their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. Reflect on underlying issues causing strain in the marriage.

2. Active Listening: Listen attentively and value your partner's perspective. Demonstrate your commitment by giving full attention, maintaining eye contact, and avoiding interruptions. Repeating what you've heard ensures a mutual understanding.

3. Build Empathy: Strive to understand your partner's point of view and acknowledge their feelings. Empathy involves putting yourself in their shoes, recognizing the validity of their emotions, and acknowledging their experiences.

4. Express Yourself: Share your thoughts and emotions using "I" statements to avoid assigning blame. For instance, say "I feel hurt when..." instead of "You always..."

5. Find Common Ground: Identify areas of agreement or shared values. Building on common ground can lay the foundation for resolving differences and strengthening the relationship.

6. Embrace Compromise: Be open to compromise and seek solutions acceptable to both parties. Finding middle ground or making concessions can lead to resolutions that everyone can live with.

7. Take Responsibility: Acknowledge your contributions to conflicts, apologize if necessary, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to positive changes.

8. Seek Professional Guidance: Consider consulting a marriage counsellor or therapist. A neutral third party can offer guidance, facilitate communication, and provide valuable insights that may be challenging to achieve independently.

9. Rediscover Intimacy: Prioritize quality time together and understand the power of physical touch and affection. Rekindling intimacy plays a crucial role in rebuilding emotional bonds.

10. Establish Boundaries and Expectations: Discuss setting realistic expectations for the relationship, emphasizing the importance of clear communication about needs and desires. Reinforce the significance of respecting each other's boundaries.

Saving a marriage demands a mutual commitment to change and growth. Both partners must actively address issues, learn from mistakes, and contribute to the healing process. Patience and perseverance become essential virtues in the journey toward rebuilding a resilient and thriving marriage.