Many of us here are married.  Some of us for a much longer time than others.  Many of us have experienced some heartbreak, and difficult times, yet have successfully pulled through it.  Some of us have blended families, some of us have no children yet, but there is one common denominator that brought us all to our spouses, and that is our love for them.  If you were offering advice to someone planning to get married, or newly married what would you say is one thing that has kept your relationship strong? 

I think you have to have respect and trust. I have not been so fortunate. Mine ended after 22 years because these elements were missing. Make your spouse feel like they are the best thing that ever happened to you! Show them and tell them how much they mean to you! I tell my children this all the time. Marriage takes alot of work from both sides. You have to give and take. Don't try and make them change, remember the reason you fell in love with them in the first place!

My husband and I have an agreement, and that agreement is that we discuss things, regardless of how it may make the other feel, we talk about what is on our minds and in our hearts.  My husband and I have only had one really huge fight the 5 yrs we have been together, and really when we look back it was a stupid reason to have an argument.  There is no reason to fight or argue.  Life is too short....we aren't promised tomorrow and why would you want to spend good times badly. 

You must trust that person, more then you trust anyone.   If you can't trust them, then there really is no point in a relationship. 

Don't worry about the past.  Discuss it once and let it go.  There is no reason to hold on or bring it up. Past...that is why it is what it is. 

Unconditional love....

Understanding....

Acceptance....

Respect.....

You must give and take and remember that there is always going to be somethings you don't agree on.  Compromise

There is this quote that I absolutely love....it says: A successful marriage, requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.

My husband is my KING and I treat him that way....we may have off days....but we are best friends...he takes care of me and I take care of him. 

GOD is the center of our marriage.  Things can get tough sometimes, but if you share the love for God, He can get your marriage through even the roughest of times.   If BOTH people don't agree that marriage is for LIFE, no matter what one person wants....it won't work if the other person doesn't want it too.  BEFORE you get married, date for at least 2-3 years, get pre marital counseling from your church, and then commit to that person....basically KEEP your marriage vows.  It isn't that hard if you look at it simply.  Marriage is for LIFE!  We also have 2 kids that we want to set a good example for.  Children see how to act in a relationship when they see their parents acting in love.  My Matty would NEVER leave me because he loves, respects and intends to keep his vows.

True Love divides sorrow and doubles joy!!!

Money is a problem alot of couples have.  My husband and I agreed not to spend more than $100 on an object without letting the other know about it.  I tend to overdo gifts for bridal/baby showers, birthday presents, stuff like that.  This simple rule is very important to us.....however, it does not apply for presents for each other for birthdays and Christmas!

Remember your vows and why you got married to begin with. In sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, forsaking all others...

When the going gets tough (and it will), the tough work it out. I just celebrated 23 years of marriage last Sat (Oct 5th), and got married young (age 20).

Never fall out of love with each other at the same time, or it won't work. You don't always have to like your spouse, but always love your spouse.

There's a lot more, and everyone else that has posted has said most of it....

Always marry your best friend.  We've been married 19 years next month, and he is still my best friend.  We still go hiking, camping and to the movies together.  Don't stop doing things together!

I agree with all your comments.. yes, marriage ife is very challenging kind of relationship. As a wife we easy to get dissapointed or upset with our spouse, becuz we want that we always be please, our own needs will be satisfied and sometimes it is the start of arguments. But if we put God as the center in marriage life- and we always seek God's first and not our own will. I'm sure marriage will not  easily be shaken. Love is never jealous, never envy- have long suffering ,love is patient and kind, trusting and believing. Let's stay in love and happy!

adamswife says ...

My husband and I have been married for almost 9 years.  He is Wonderful.  What I have learned in our marriage is to talk about everything.  from finaces to arranging dinner dates.  It helps us to stay on the same page and no one is surprised when something out of the blue pops up.  And always tell one another you love them.  I often put notes in my husband lucnh bag telling him how much I love and need him in our families life.  Also show respect.  Let him be the head of the house. learn to agree to disagree.  No Marriage is perfect but work hard at the marriage you do have,

friends,

Gloria

He and I too, leave little love notes for each other or send text messages back and forth.  I think my husband and I tell each other we love one another 50+ times a day....

Also,  if you are blended family...love his/her children and accept them.  There are alot of women that I work with who have step children and they don't appreciate them.  I love my stepdaughters, I love them like they were my own, I am truely proud of them and would die for them if I had too.  My husband appreciates the love I have for the girls.  Also, with that you must be accepting of the ex-spouse.  Whether that person is good or bad, they are apart of your life, not forever but for good amount of time.--Learn to get along with one another....it is what is best for the kids.   

I agree with what everyone is saying. My Husband and I have been married for almost 3 years now and we are BESTFRIENDS. The key for us is to constantly keep the communication lines open and honest. We never go to bed angry with each other and we are always saying I LOVE YOU to one another. We try to be quick to forgive each other, but at times we fail...we are only human.  We always put JESUS CHRIST in the midst of everything we do because a three fold cord is not easily broken. We trust that GOD will guide us in the right direction when it comes to loving one another and we have full faith that we were made for each other. I think that marriage is a beautiful, because the Bible teaches that who so ever finds a spouse to love and cherish has found a good thing. With that being said God Bless everyone's marriage and may the years continue to flourish with new love every second, minute, hour, and day.  Have a Jesus filled rest of the year :) 

As a spouse in a blended family, it is important to realize that there are limitations to everyone's ability to communicate.  I do not agree with my husband's ex-wife's (lack of) parenting skills.  I do not respect the way she manipulates, and buys her children for lack of spending quality time and knowing what's going on in their lives.  Unfortunately for a week at a time every other week, we really have no idea what they're doing either (although that is not by our choice).  I do not agree with her at all, but when it comes to the kids knowing how I feel, I do NOT show it.  She is their mother.  I did not come into this relationship meaning to be a replacement for her, although I sure like to think of myself as a much needed supplement!  I let my husband do the communicatingwith his ex-wife, because I am wise enough to know that when it comes down to it, I could never be so diplomatic.  It's important to recognize your (and your spouses') strengths and weaknesses and use them in ways that best benefit the marriage...it can sure make for a lot fewer bumpy roads!