Secrets to a Successful Marriage

“My husband and I love to laugh! We are constantly smiling and laughing when we are around one another. We are “young at heart”, and we try not to take every day work/life stresses too seriously. When it comes time to discuss something serious, we are able to set time aside to sit down and communicate. Each of us has a chance to speak and then we come up with a solution together.”
-Married one week

“I think it is always important to be honest and tell your spouse how you feel so that negative feelings do not build up and lead up to an unnecessary argument. I also think that it is important to support your spouse so they can still grow as a person.”
-Married 2.5 years

“My wife and I are both on our second marriages. Communication and not letting the other person say nothing is wrong is important.  Being tolerant of the little things that we realized affected our previous marriages, like the chores, not being tit for tat or saying “I did this so you should do that”. Just do what needs to be done as you come across it, because we are both busy with work, life and our kids. Saying I love you and meaning it, every day.”
-Married 8 years

“I feel that a successful marriage needs an open line of communication and trust.”
-Married 8 years

“One of the most valued components to our marriage is laughter. My husband is the funniest person I know. No matter how big our argument gets, he can instantly rein me in with his humor. We laugh all of the time. I’ve heard people say that,” laughter is the best medicine” and I think it is true!”
-Married for 12 years

“My husband and I have mutual respect for each other, especially when it comes to our “jobs” inside the home and outside.”
-Married 12 years

“A total commitment to each other and the marriage, being in love, showing respect and being able to compromise.”
-Married 13 years

“We are best friends and have a date night at least once a month. We tell each other that we love each other all of the time even if it is a quick phone call.”
-Married 13 years

“Always be willing to give a “do over”. Sometimes an argument quickly goes down a wrong path, stop, and start over, really start over. You often end up fixing where you went wrong and it allows your spouse to do the same.”
-Married 15 years

“Marriage is a continual rejuvenation of your relationship. It takes effort as job, family, time and money issues come into your lives. Try focusing on the positive not the negative about your partner.”
-Married 16 years

“Do not take things for granted. It’s not always going to be perfect. You must work at it through the years. Even though you may become moms or dads, never forget to make time to be a husband or wife.”
-Married 25 years

“Make certain that you always have something in common together because if you don’t, once the empty nest hits, you will be lost.”
-Married 25 years

“It’s like a job, some days are good and some are not. But if you listen and have patience then it will all work out.”
-Married 27 years

“I think our secret is giving each other space to do our own thing! We don’t always do everything together. It works for us!”
-Married 28 years

“There is no one size fits all for marriage. There is also no one piece of advice that would be epiphany for success in marriage. Rather it’s two flawed people using trial and error to discover what works for them. I do know this though.., always remember that there is a difference between a problem and an inconvenience. Many relationships end because people lose sight of that difference.  The second thing I know is that there will be many times one or both want to walk away.., when you feel that way, don’t call it a day too quickly. Marriage is worth it.”
-Married 33 years

“Our secret is love, friendship, respect, patience, honesty and understanding of each other’s needs.”
-Married 43 years

“We are best friends as well as husband and wife. We never go to sleep without saying, “I love you!””
-Married 55 years