by Melanie Colvin

Created on: May 25, 2009   Last Updated: May 26, 2009

Nobody said marriage is easy. Of course many people wish they had been given this helpful hint in the beginning but it is hard to see anything going wrong when in the beginning everything is so exciting and new. Marriage brings so many things to the table, anywhere from friendship and non-stop conversations to competition and arguments about the most insignificant issues. If everyone kept in mind that marriage is a commitment of give and take, being there when it counts and letting go of the little things, it may become an important factor in bringing happiness into the relationship.

I believe one of the key elements to a happy marriage is accepting the other person for who they are. Each person is different and not a blueprint of yourself. Accepting that your wife or husband may not like football as much as you or make-up and candle parties don't excite you the way it does your significant other doesn't mean it's not important to them. Refraining from negative comments and being able to keep them to yourself may save you from being in the doghouse later!

Make sure to take time for your loved one. Most of us have full, busy lives jam packed with work, kids, shopping, dinner and trying to make a little time to unwind yourself. Through all the messes, toys and deadlines there has to be a point in the day to ask how his or her day was. The thought is what counts, even if he or she takes this time to blow off some steam, it will definitely in the end be an ultimate factor of happiness.

Everyone likes a little competition, so long as it's healthy competition. When it becomes the divided sides working against each other with the imaginary white tape across the room, this side's mine, that side's your's, it's time to sit down and evaluate what the bigger issue is. I've noticed in relationships when it's gotten this far, there is resentment from one side or the other, possibly both. It can become the barrier that could possibly end a good marriage.

Intimacy, no matter how much it may not be talked about, is more important than you may think. It's the time taken out to show your partner how close you are. It can be making them feel good about themselves, "You look very nice today!", "I can't believe how much you can accomplish in one day!". Appreciation runs a long way for intimacy! Physical intimacy is extremely important. A marriage without it could possibly send your partner the impression that you don't find them attractive, you have feelings for someone else

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>