Marriage

1) Communication is key ...
Communication is key to any successful marriage. That means talking through situations rather than bottling up or yelling. With this, the two of you can talk to understand the other person's side better. By showing respect, you can work together as a couple should.

2) If a behavior needs to be changed
Instead of trying to change something, he or she does - change you! Far too often, people get married with the belief they can simply change the person they married, molding him or her into the "perfect" mate. Instead, you need to accept your mate for the person he/she is. If a behavior needs to be changed, then provide support and encouragement.

3) "Does this make me look fat?"
When your wife asked, "Does this make me look fat?" You always answer "No dear, you look just as beautiful as the day I married you." Always tell her she looks great in whatever moment.

4) Working side-by-side shows ...
Doing chores and housework together can be fun. Working side-by-side shows you are a team, and that the team has goals and that neither of you is taken for granted.

5) Remember, this person is the one you love
Keep intimacy as a part of the marriage. Remember, this person is the one you love, the one you want to share your life with, which means letting go of inhibitions. Being intimate is an excellent way to stay close, doing wonders for any marriage.

6) DO NOT...
DO NOT make decisions alone that effect both you and your spouse. Examples (job re-location, buying a house/car, children, money/savings).

7) Learn to ignore the small stuff
Make sure you choose your battles wisely. If you are going to pick something apart, make sure it really matters. Learn to ignore the small stuff. Every marriage faces challenges, some big and some small. Remind yourself that life is precious and short. Therefore, focus on the larger battles, working through them as a team while letting go of the incidentals that in the big scheme of things does not matter. Unfortunately, unresolved arguments are a big issue in marriages, often leading to divorce. Therefore, unless the issue is something significant, learn to let some things roll off your back. Let the small stuff slide and save the big fights for important stuff, such as finances and children.

8) Never take your spouse for granted
Never take your spouse for granted. Again, life is too precious and short. Instead, find things that your spouse does well or things that please you and let him/her know.

9) Happy Wife
Happy Wife, Happy Life.

10) Date your spouse
Date...just because you are now legally married, you should not stop dating. Even if you have children, make a date. This could be something as simple as a romantic dinner and concert or a movie. The activity is not important, just that you get time for just the two of you.

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