1. Communicate. It’s always at the top of the list because it is the most important. Effective communication is the basis of a good marriage. Believing it will just happen with no effort is a mistake.  Try to set aside 5 to 10 minutes a day just to talk to each other with no interruptions.
2. Put your spouse and your marriage first. They must be the most important things in your life. The best thing you can do for your children is to be good role models.
3. Remember that you’re both on the same side. It’s not a competition; it’s a team.
4. Be kind to each other and take care of each other. Being comfortable together doesn’t give you the right to take things out on one another.
5. Be kind to yourself. You can’t give to anyone else if you aren’t feeling “full” yourself.
6. Pursue outside interests. It will make you an interesting person.
7. Make sure you have other friends, even though your spouse may be your very best friend. Everyone needs some variety. It’s unrealistic to think that one person can meet all your needs all the time.
8. Recognize the fact that everyone can be annoying at some time. Remember why you married him or her.
9. Don’t forget the romance. That may sound ridiculous when you’re up to your ears in diapers and bills or struggling to meet an unrealistic boss’s expectations, but if you wait for the perfect time--when the job settles down or the kids grow up--you just might find that when you’re ready, your partner will be gone.
10. Last but not least, don’t be afraid to seek counseling.  Every marriage has rough periods. If you feel that you aren’t able to get past them, it might be time to get some help. Therapists are trained to help you communicate and solve problems.

If you have considered therapy but have never done anything about it, this might be a good time to begin. It could be the best Valentine’s Day gift you could give, for both you and your spouse. Call Manatee Glens at 782- 4150 for further information.