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How to Create a Successful Marriage

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(36 Ratings)

As with most good things, a long and satisfying marriage takes time and effort - on the part of both spouses. Your reward is happiness of the highest order.

Difficulty: Challenging
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Thank-you Greeting Cards
  • Flowers
  • Boxes Of Chocolates
  • Travel Services
  1. Step 1

    Cherish compatibility. Seek out the things that interest, please and delight both of you.

  2. Step 2

    Respect and treasure your differences. Learn from one another. Appreciate and understand your spouse's distinctive style, approach and personality - especially when it diverges from yours. Differences can often turn into delight.

  3. Step 3

    Cultivate patience. Give your spouse enough time to reach a comfortable middle ground in his or her own way.

  4. Step 4

    Learn how to be understanding, and develop the ability to see through your spouse's eyes.

  5. Step 5

    Share your feelings in regular talk sessions. A nice atmosphere in a good restaurant helps open the doors to intimacy and sharing. Really listen to your partner. Be sure to look directly into the eyes of your loved one.

  6. Step 6

    Strive for a high ratio of positive to negative in comments and actions.

  7. Step 7

    Allow time to pass when you're surprised by a disappointment. Solutions will become evident when there is patience. A good night's sleep will help additional insights to surface.

  8. Step 8

    Resolve the inevitable differences in a way that strengthens and deepens your love. Strive to communicate your feelings without being aggressive or defensive. Listen to each other with an open mind and seek resolutions that you both can be happy with.

  9. Step 9

    Learn to express thankfulness for the smallest things. This gratitude can be brief and must be genuine.

Tips & Warnings
  • Especially after kids arrive, schedule time to be alone together, and make it fun. Enjoy each other's company and laugh together.

Comments  

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on 7/23/2009 Nine thoughtful steps every married couple should live by.

didi8u said

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on 4/21/2009 great tips on how to create a successful marriage, thanks for sharing. 5*

didi8u said

Flag This Comment

on 4/21/2009 great tips on how to create a successful marriage, thanks for sharing. 5*

didi8u said

Flag This Comment

on 4/21/2009 great tips on how to create a successful marriage, thanks for sharing. 5*

didi8u said

Flag This Comment

on 4/21/2009 great tips on how to create a successful marriage, thanks for sharing. 5*

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