Often, it does not take more than six months post ones wedding to discover that something has

changed drastically. You may feel that your partner is not paying you adequate attention, the
distribution of household chores and responsibilities is unequal and so on. The reason giving rise
to such feelings could be one and many. But often it is seen that they arise from very
insignificant issues and if not handled carefully, often snowball into regular bickering. The
result? Its not very difficult to guess.
When couples marry, they vow to stand by each other through thick and thin. But it often does
not take long to discover that its easier said than done. As such, one should take initiative to
keep ones marriage or wedding happy and smooth from the very inception. And it is not the
responsibility of any one person. It is pertinent that both the couple equally participate in keeping
their marriage smooth and hassle free. Read the following tips on how to keep ones marriage
happy and successful always.
The first and the most important tip any erudite person will offer to keep ones marriage happy
and successful is to be open about ones feelings and desires with your partner. Successful
couples talk deeply before the wedding about their expectations of each other. If there's serious
disagreement pertaining anything like kids, career, etc. its better to finalize beforehand if it will
be a good decision to still marry. Even after marriage, all happy couples regularly talk to check
their expectations of married life.
Helping each other maintain his /her individuality is the biggest secret of a happy married life.
Post wedding, handling day-to-day house cum office tasks can become challenging at times
especially if ones got to take care of the children also. Successful couples understand that no
matter how much love there is already, marriage can provide a much trapped feeling. As such,
both couples should encourage each other not to be always 'us'. In other words, allow one
another the autonomy to live or do things as per ones liking.
An important tip or secret crucial to maintaining a happy and successful marriage is providing
each other centre stage. It is often seen that couples start forgetting the normal everyday little
courtesies after marriage. Believe it or not, saying a simple Thank You, Sorry or simply I Love
You can go a long way in keeping a marriage healthy and strong. Whenever you go out, try
keeping in mind small gestures like serving each other first, making sure that the other person is
not feeling lonely and left out, etc. Also, always listen to each other very respectfully. You will
see the difference for yourself when you follow these tips and ensure that you have a happy and
successful married life.

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If Marriage is a Journey, Who Has the Map?

There

is not just one map. We all have maps. As we journey together as a couple in our marriage,
many of us will make a wrong turn, or get lost, or find ourselves on an unplanned detour not on
our map.
Respect. This is one of the most important things in relationships even in people who
arent married. Respecting each other can keep you from doing or saying things that
could be damaging to your relationship.
Communication. Even though the married couple may have different jobs and may be
constantly busy with other things, it is important maintain communication to keep the
connection with each other. Many couples find themselves drifting apart as
communication lessens.

Forgiveness. It is inevitable that there will be times wherein one of the persons in the
marriage or both of them would do or say something to offend or anger. Fights are
normal but whats important is both of them know how to forgive and to understand each
other.

Compromise. Entering a marriage means that there will be many topics, issues, views,
and decisions that the two people will not agree on. This is normal for any two people
even in a marriage. The key is to learn to meet halfway and compromise. Never let pride
get in the way.

Passion. This is pretty hard to maintain over the years but it is still achievable. Dont
forget to go out on dates with each other and to always be kind to each other. Always
remember to appreciate each other and to let each other know how they feel.

: Marriage should not be so much about looking at each other but looking in
the same direction together. I believe the message from this is to remember
the positive things that brought you together and then to concentrate on
positive goals to achieve as a couple.

2. Never fight over money because there is never enough of it to go around anyway.

3. Outdo each other in kindness.

4. Bite your tongue in heated discussions.

5. Marriage is not a about looking at each other but instead looking in the same direction
together.

6. Marriage is not 50/50, it's two people giving 100% all the time.

7. Attack the issue, not each other.

8. Patience, Kindness, Respect, Love, Care and Communication are the key ingredients to
a happy marriage.

9. Don't let petty things get in the way.

10. Appreciate your differences, even your different opinions.

12. Make each other laugh every day (this has done wonders in the middle of a fight).

13. Tackle and resolve issues. Don't let them bottle up or you'll still be fighting over the
same thing 20 years from now.

14. Always make time for the two of you. Have a date night!

15. Compliment more than you criticize (even jokingly).

16. Everyone fights, it's how you do it that matters.

17. Before starting an argument, consider if it's really worth it. Pick your battles.

19. Never compare your marriage to others.

22. Remember that it's okay to do things differently. There's more than one way to peel a
potato!25. Grow old together, the best is yet to come.

Become a More Invitational Spouse

You don't have to send a printed invitation every time you want to talk to your spouse about
something. That's not what we mean by being more invitational in your communication approach
in your marriage.

Values and Ideals

Recognizing the difference between your values and your ideals can help the two of you make
mutual decisions. what are your values and ideals?

Be True to Yourselves in Your Values and Ideals

It is important in your marriage that both of you are true to yourselves as individuals and true to
yourselves as a couple. Before you can do that you need to know what the two of you value.

Stand Up for YOUR Marriage -- Do Yourself a Favor and

Speak Positive
Do you ever find yourself talking negatively about your marriage or your spouse because others
are discussing how horrid their marriages are? Marriage gets a bad reputation because people
don't stand up for marriage. Do yourself a favor. Take a stand. Make a difference.

How do You Show Your Appreciation

It is important to show your appreciation for who your spouse is and not just for what your
spouse does.

How to Show Your Appreciation

Everyone likes to feel appreciated. Let your spouse know of your appreciation.

Marriage Lessons From Sports

Married couples can learn and apply enduring life lessons such as responsibility, respect, and
fairness for their marriage from sports. Here are lessons the two of you can learn from popular
sports.

What is Mutuality in Marriage?

If you are in a marriage where mutuality is a value, you both seek what is best for one another.
Mutuality is the way you positively relate to one another.

So You Want to Be a Great Spouse

Now that you are married, unless you are very cold hearted, you want to be a great spouse. How
can you be a great spouse and not just a good spouse? Here are suggestions for this important
role in your marriage.

Natural and Logical Consequences in Marriage

Have you ever thrown a pebble in a puddle? Rings will flow out from the point of impact ... and
then they return back to where the pebble landed. Our actions and decisions in marriage are like

that. They all have consequences. Some of the consequences are natural. Some of the
consequences are logical.

Successful Marriage Poll

Although all of these areas are important for having a successful marriage, which do you think
should rank #1?

Marriage 101 - A Beginner's Guide to Marriage

Just starting out on your marriage journey? Here's some of what you need to know to have a
successful marriage.

Marriage Qualities Survey Results

Here are the results from the survey showing what our readers consider to be the top ten essential
qualities for a long lasting marriage.

Being a Supportive Spouse

Being a supportive spouse can be both a rewarding and a difficult role. Although the dictionary
definition is quite clear, living out being supportive in your marriage isn't always so well defined.
Here are ways you can be more supportive in your marriage.

The Peanut Butter Concept in Marriage

Just like peanut butter holds two pieces of bread together, there are people, things, organizations,
feelings, activities, etc., which can hold a marriage together. Here's a look at the peanut butter
concept, examples, the negative impact, and how to avoid using it in your marriage.

Lessons Married Couples Can Learn From Harry Potter

Although J.K. Rowling has her critics, there are many folks who have read her Harry Potter
books and judge her to be not only a good story teller, but also a philosopher and moral teacher
as she writes about happiness, fear, and one's journey through life. Here are some lessons the two
of you, as a married couple, can learn from Harry Potter and his friends.

Qualities of a Successful Marriage

Love and commitment are on the list, of course. But there are many more necessary qualities
couples need to have a healthy and happy marriage.

Maintaining a relationship with someone is hard enough as it seems. Keeping a marriage and
making it work for the rest of your lives is as difficult, if not more. It is about two different
people promising to share their lives together, for better or for worse.
One only has to look at the rate of divorce, annulment, and separation to realize that many
couples give up on this life-long commitment. Marriage is no walk in the park and it definitely
takes the effort from both people in it. Below are some tips that could serve as a guide in
improving and having a successful marriage.

Respect. This is one of the most important things in relationships even in people who
arent married. Respecting each other can keep you from doing or saying things that
could be damaging to your relationship.

Communication. Even though the married couple may have different jobs and may be
constantly busy with other things, it is important maintain communication to keep the
connection with each other. Many couples find themselves drifting apart as
communication lessens.

Forgiveness. It is inevitable that there will be times wherein one of the persons in the
marriage or both of them would do or say something to offend or anger. Fights are
normal but whats important is both of them know how to forgive and to understand each
other.

Compromise. Entering a marriage means that there will be many topics, issues, views,
and decisions that the two people will not agree on. This is normal for any two people
even in a marriage. The key is to learn to meet halfway and compromise. Never let pride
get in the way.

Passion. This is pretty hard to maintain over the years but it is still achievable. Dont
forget to go out on dates with each other and to always be kind to each other. Always
remember to appreciate each other and to let each other know how they feel.

Time out. Couples also need some time out from each other. Couples shouldnt forget to
enjoy things that they used to enjoy before they got married. Being married does not
mean losing individuality. For more information visit to our site at
http://philippineweddingplanner.com

Beverly Huffine, born on March 21, 1970 in Beverly Hills,has coordinated a wide variety of
events, bringing elegance and style to every designed event she has undertaken.She spends her
leisure time through writing journals and articles related to her career.

Ads by Google
If you want to live happily ever after, following these successful marriage tips can help. You are
going to need to put in the effort to make your marriage workthis is a process that begins well
before you say, I do. Here are five tips for saving your marriage from ever slipping toward
divorce.
Let the Past Be the Past
If youre constantly dwelling on issues that happened months or years ago, you are not going to
be able to focus on the wonderful things that are going on now or, even better, what could
happen in the future. When you encounter a problem, tackle the issue and then find closure. If
you do, you can move on once and for all so it doesnt haunt you down the road.
Disagree Carefully
If you plan to be in your marriage during the decades to come, youre bound to have some
disagreements on issues both big and small. Having your own opinions is a good thing, but be
careful not to make your points sound like criticisms.
Be Nice
This sounds simple enough, right? The sad truth is that often, couples forget that simply asking
with the word please or showing affection with a compliment, small gift or a homemade
surprise meal are the types of things that keep couples happy for the long haul.
Manage Your Anger
Everyone gets angry, but if you and your partner are fuming at the same time, disaster can ensue.
Take a moment to settle down and stop yelling. Then talk it out calmly taking care to listen to
each others sides.
Be Independent
Being married doesnt mean that you have to give up all facets of your individual lives. While
sharing activities together can strengthen your relationship, taking time to be

"Don't go to bed angry at each other." ~ Ibn Tumart

"My dad told me 'try to outdo each other in kindness.' I thought that was
good advice. That way you are concentrating on the positive." ~ tjmac66

"The best advice in my opinion is to live in a different town than your families
when you get married. My hubby is in the Air Force and lucky for both of us,
we moved across the country! We both grew up in negative environments
and the space is a blessing! Now we appreciate talking to our families and
they are far enough away where they can't interfere and smother us with
negativity. On another note, I believe the standard "don't go to bed angry" is
right as rain as well!" ~ GirlyGirl220

"For women: Do not expect your husband to change after marriage.

For men: Do not expect your wife to not change. : )" ~ Data10000

"My mom always tells me when I fight with my husband that he could be
worse than what he is and I should quit sweating the small stuff." ~
quinnandellie

"From the time we were little kids, my dad told us "Never date anyone you
wouldn't marry" .... when we were kids this made zero sense, but as I got
older, it became clear that a lot of people marry people they don't much
like/fit with well, for a variety of reasons. SHe ends up pregnant, it is just
"time" to marry. The selection process of who to marry is complex, but makes
a huge difference.
We also always advise newly marrieds to NOT sit and complain about
anything in their marriage, large or small, in little same sex (or not) groups at
work or at play. ALl it does is magnify any irritants, and if you really have a
problem with your spouse, talking to them about it is much more likely to
solve the problem than sitting and bitching with others." ~ shopper113

"My dad told me to always communicate with each other. I think I have been
more honest with my husband than anyone else in my life." ~ fkh38

"A quote from the Bible: What God has yoked together, let no man tear
apart." ~ Donnamaria65

There are "... various ways in which relational maturity develops in people -preparing them first to care for themselves, and then to care for two people,
and afterwards for children too. All in a way that is life giving. Relational
maturity is I believe the most effective predictor for whether a marriage is
likely to last or not." ~ Tastewise

"From my MIL: "Marriage is forever. You have to stick it out no matter how
miserable you are." ~ Michele

"Get on your knees together every night and say the Lord's prayer. Even if
you don't go to sleep and may have something else to do. This assures that
most nights you will spend some time together before you go to sleep. If you
are apart, do it over the phone." ~ Michele

"Never go to bed angry, even if you are not happy with the conditions." ~
Michele

"Communicate, respect for self and each other, trust, faith, laugh together
not at each other, dont go to bed angry or hurt, remember your vows, dont
ask what you are not ready and willing to accept and let go and remember
that often time we dont know were making a mistake unless we are told so
speak up without being rude and hurtful." ~ Antoinette 34

"Churchill said to never have breakfast together." ~ Jimnria2

"When in trouble with your husband or spouse, never ever talk about these
problems with your friends, mother or parents ... if you want a real help on
this, go to your spouse or husband mother or father or his or her best friend
or relatives and tell them about your situation. This advice has given them
very fast and some times unexpected and very good solutions, and at the
same time they get to understand many of their spouses vision of the
trouble, and that has in many instances changed their perspective and
perception of the problem." ~ Manuel D.

"My father always said that the secret of a happy marriage is a short tongue.
Instead of saying the first thing that pops into your head to your spouse in a
heated discussion, bite your tongue, and consider the consequences before
proceeding. I have been married to the same man for 19 years, and I am
lucky to have him. I know that biting my tongue helps me to weigh my words
more carefully." ~ Susan H.

"After a disillusioned first couple of years of marriage, my husband and I went

to a therapist who told us: Marriage should not be so much about looking at
each other but looking in the same direction together. I believe the message
from this is to remember the positive things that brought you together and
then to concentrate on positive goals to achieve as a couple. My observation
is that all the cute, unique things that made your spouse wonderful in the
beginning are going to be the things that grate on your nerves later. Try to
focus on the positive -- if you look for negative qualities in someone you are
sure to find them! ~ Deb V.

"The best marriage advice I received was from my grandmother: Marriage is

not always 50/50. Some days you will wake up and may have to give 90%
and your spouse will give 10%. Other days you may wake up and give 25%
and your husband will have to put in the 75%. I never thought of this before
but it is so true." ~ Meme

Share the Best Marriage Advice You Ever Received

One of the best tips for a successful marriage I have ever heard is to find common values. Many
relationships start on common interests. However, the couples never consider the values that
guide them through their lives. You need to understand your beliefs and that of your partners, in
order to maintain a successful relationship.
What are values?
Values are the beliefs you have that guide the choices you make. You make hundreds of choices
every day. Whether these are conscious or unconscious, they are guided by the core beliefs you
have about how the world works. You can change your values. By learning and growing, you can
find new values that will ensure your life goes in the direction you want it to.

Find All The Questions Every Couple should Ask To Build A

Lasting Relationship Today
Finding values in your relationship
If you want a successful marriage, you and your partner should discuss your values. By learning
what motivates your partner to make the choices in their life, you can find the common ground
needed to make a relationship last. Here are some common values that will be critical in
deciding if your partner and yourself can make this relationship last.

Expectations from your spousethe expectations you have from your spouse will
influence your relationship. Discuss with each other what you believe a good husband or
wife gives to the relationship.

Choresbeliefs on which one should do what chores around the house can help. Many
people argue struggle with who should do what. Finding, and agreeing, on these activities
early will save you a lot of misunderstanding later.

Common habitsunderstanding your partners habits, and why they have them, will help
you build a strong relationship. Views on drinking, smoking, time with friends, personal
fitness, and time management will all affect the relationship you have with your partner.

Medical decisionsyou should know your partners beliefs on medical care. Do they
always follow doctors and professional advice? Find out if they are interested in
alternative healing, or non-mainstream paths to healing.

Raising childrenwhen you are raising children together, consistency is critical. If one
parent has expectations of the child, and the other does not enforce them, the child will be
confused and discouraged. No critical decisions about raising your children should be
made by one parent. You should discuss major topics and reach an agreement before they
become an issue.

Financial goalsyou both need to agree on your financial goals. Planning for your
retirement, investments, and all financial decisions need to be made together.

Spiritual beliefshaving common beliefs in spiritual matters can make or break

relationships. This does not mean religion. You can have common spiritual beliefs and
not be of the same religious persuasion. Learning and accepting your partners spiritual
needs and beliefs can save a lot of hardship as you continue to grow together.

There are many values you have which influence every decision you make. When you are having
trouble in your relationship, examine the values you each hold in that area. Many times you will
find that by changing the values you live by to match each others, you will grow together and
have a more unified relationship.

Discover Even More Questions Every Couple should Ask,

So you can
Build A Lasting Relationship Today
Share and Enjoy:

The best marriage advice

June 22, 9:05 AM Boston Marriage Examiner Ana Cosmas
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In our wedding guest book, we left space for guests to write us some wedding wisdom for the
next 80 years together. I'd like to share my favorite bits of advice and encourage all of you to add
on to this list in the comments section
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other.

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June 22, 9:05 AM The best marriage

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Comments
Ana says:
It takes time and a lot of patience! Focus in on one or two of these points at a time
until you've mastered them. Some are more important than others and many you
may already be doing, without realizing it. During a fight, I've learned it's best to
cool down before discussing, to avoid saying things you don't mean. I will write
about healthy fighting behavior this week so make sure you check back! :)
June 22, 10:30 AM
Luann says:
How do you remember all that in the middle of a fight?
June 22, 10:10 AM

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