by Anne Tran

Created on: December 09, 2008

The second wedding anniversary doesn't sound as special as the first year and it doesn't really make it to that amazing milestone mark like the fifth year does, but it is definitely something worth celebrating. The second year means you've added a whole year to your first year. Now that's something. If you've survived two years of your marriage without wanting to strangle each other every day, then it's safe to say you're doing well. Keep up the good work!

How do most couples survive the two years, you ask?

They keep the spice in their marriage. Boredom is a horrible thing and can frustrate anyone into an argument just for fun. Try new things and give yourselves new topics to talk about. My husband and I, by our second year, traveled to numerous countries. But if your pocket book doesn't allow for extensive travel, you can also partake in new hobbies together. For instance, we took up salsa dance classes together. We were both beginners so could easily laugh at each other. And it gave us something to practice even at home.

They keep the conversations flowing. Even awkward silences can happen between a husband and wife, and prolonged silences tend to continue once begun. Talk to each other about everything and anything. Say you walked to the grocery store and saw a lady wearing a funny dress. Tell your husband. Chances are, he'll immediately ask you what she was wearing and a conversation has begun. Say he is into comic books, like mine is, and is ecstatic about the new Batman movie. Show him you're excited for him and mean it. Ask him questions and he'll feel like you really care.

They are considerate of each other. You agreed not to part until death so it would make sense that you respect each other. To be considerate of your partner's feelings shouldn't be too difficult to do. If you love someone, you shouldn't want to put them down or make them feel low. If you love someone, his happiness should make you happy so be aware of what makes him sad and what makes him happy. Lean towards happiness always.

They know that communication is the key to success. Pent up feelings can cause an explosion neither partner will expect. Talk to each other about your feelings right away. Listen to each other without judging and try to understand. If you can't be honest with the person you've married, than who else? This will help prevent those explosive arguments that lead the other partner to be confused and angry.

They compromise. Marriage is a union of two individuals. It is

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