Pay attention to each other
There’s no point in being honest if your partner doesn’t listen. Don’t half listen to what your partner has to say, give them undivided attention, and take on board what they have to say. Communication is a two-way street, and if you don’t listen, you can’t communicate properly.
Don’t blow things out of proportion
There will be minor irritations and friction between a married couple sometimes, but don’t let them overshadow all the good things they have. The marriage itself should be a priority in your life and that’s far more important than any of the little squabbles you might have.
Don’t turn a marriage into a competition
You don’t have to keep a scorecard to have a successful marriage. Yes, both partners should do their fair share of chores and bring things into the partnership, but it doesn’t have to be a straight 50-50 split to make the marriage work. Keeping score of who did what will only lead to arguments. Find a balance that you are both happy with and leave it at that.
Don’t hold grudges
When it falls apart, and you will, once the dust has settled again, let go of what caused the argument and let it go. Don’t keep little mistakes and mishaps in reserve as a kind of weapon to be used later. Put those behind you and focus on making the most of the good things in your marriage.
Stop being romantic
The last important thing to remember about a marriage is not to let all the romance in the relationship disappear. Those little romantic gifts and surprises are just as important twelve years on, as they were when you were first dating, and so it still says you love yourself. Renting each other out, knowing the love is still there, will keep you closer and keep your marriage strong.
