The Rules of Marriage

"Here's to matrimony, the high sea for which no compass has yet been invented!" ~ Heinrich Heine

This article was in the paper today. A few helpful tips on how to have a happy marriage. I feel that most of it does apply so I wanted to share with everyone else.

1. Always put each other first. Before work or friends. Act as if they are the best thing that ever happened to you, because more than likely they are.

2. Keep no secrets. Pool your money. Allow nothing and no one to come between you.

3. Be friends and lovers.

4. Memorize their favorite things. Surprise them with one of them for no reason every now and again.

5. Fall in love again every day. Kiss in the taxi (if you ride in them), flirt a little every day, pay each other compliments over and over.

6. Never miss an anniversary or birthday or a chance to make a memory. Never give a practical gift.

7. Kiss for 10 seconds every day. Either all at once or spread out.

8. Laugh together a lot.

9. Always listen to the heart, yours and theirs. If you're wrong, say your sorry. If you're right, shut up about it.

10. Pick your fights carefully. Play fair. Show some class. Never raise your voices. Actually, try and whisper when you argue. Remember, hurtful words can be forgiven but they are sometimes hard to forget.

11. Tell the truth, only the truth, with great kindness.

12. Pay your bills on time and make sure you each have a living will, a durable power of attorney, and life insurance.

13. Never criticize, correct, or interrupt each other in public. Try not to do it in private either.

14. Never go to bed mad. Talk until you're over it or you forget why you were mad.

15. When you don't like each other, remember that you love each other.

16. Don't half tie the knot. Plan to stay married forever. Be content with what you have materially. Be honest about where you are emotionally. Never stop growing spiritually.

17. Love your In-laws as your own. But, don't ask them for money. Never criticize the others family or friends.

18. Examine your relationship as often as you change the oil in your car. Keep steering it on a path y'all want it to be on.

19. Never fall for the myth of perfectionism...its a lie. Marriage is a lot of work.

20. Be an interesting person and lead your own life. But, always save your best for each other.