“For richer, for poorer”, “in sickness and in health”, …. you’ve probably heard those lines so many times that they have lost meaning to you and sadly sometimes the bride and groom uttering them. A successful marriage takes commitment regardless of the season. While they are no tricks to a happy marriage, there are a few things that can increase your chances of a long and happy marriage. Follow our A-Z pathway to saying I do and keeping that way. Appreciation: Everyone loves to be appreciated, loved and complimented. Appreciation in marriage is an antidote to divorce. A word of kindness spoken in true sincerity is like balm to the soul. Best Friends: Marry your best friend and work at staying best friends. It certainly helps if you both have comming insterests and hobbies. Communication: Work really hard at understanding each other; generally, men are not as good as women in verbalizing emotions. More often than not, women need to work really hard at deciphering what the man is trying to say Don’t Nag: Nobody likes a nag, enough said Encourage one another: “I believe in you” one of the greatest gifts you can give your spouse is to believe in his or her dream. Forgive: “forgive and forget “you know you have forgiven when you can remember the incident and not relieve the feeling Generousity: Marriage means “one” and “union”, selfishness have no place in a marriage Two halves do not become a whole: Regular mathematics do not apply in marriage; two halves do not become a whole. Two wholes become one Humility: Humility is an acceptance of things the way they are, pride is a mortal enemy to love and to lasting marital happiness Intimacy: Couples grow apart and distant when intimacy is neglected. Jealousy: Envy and jealousy have no place in a marriage Keep problems private: The world does not need to know. Discrediting your partner is a reflection of who you are Laugh a lot: Wit and humor go a long way Mend fences: It’s a cliché but it’s true, harbouring resentment against your spouse is like cutting of your nose in spite of your face Never go to bed mad: Resolve all issues before you hit the bed Overcome problems together: Marriage come with highs and lows unique to each marriage, surmount all problems together. Pray together: A family that prays together stays together Quality time: Quality time with your spouse is one of the best investments of all times R-E-S-P-E-C-T: This requires active energy and steady consciousness. (Ladies! Most men long for respect) Remember: Make conscious effort to remember special days. Space & Grace: Do your thing; do not suffocate one another, respect personal spaces and boundaries Team Spirit: Realize that you and your spouse are a team, talk about and clarify your responsibilities regularly Unity: United you stand and stay strong Value everything you share: value one another like partners Wisdom: In all your getting’s, seek wisdom to be an excellent wife, mother and sister and vice-versa ‘X-press; your true feelings: Put your thought to words and never bear a grudge Yearn for each other’s touch: Desire each other Zeal: Zest and zeal in making sure your marriage work