The 7 Highly Effective Secrets of Happy Couples

April 29, 2013

We all know couples that are still in honeymoon mode on their tenth anniversary. How do they do it? Believe it or not, there are 7 secrets that you and your partner can use to keep that glow of wedded bliss.

1. Stay healthy and active.

Healthy couples are happier and get more fun out of life. They enjoy doing things together. Exercise also helps relieve stress, and puts you in a more upbeat mood for your partner. Everyone gets sick sometimes, of course, but illnesses from unhealthy lifestyles are a big bring down in a marriage.

2. Enjoy new experiences together.

Stay open to trying activities and learning new skills with your partner. Keep your youthful enthusiasm and sense of wonder intact. Life is an adventure for couples that are young at heart. And it's no fun to go on vacation with someone who only wants to sit in the hotel and watch TV.

3. Talk to each other every day.

You can't be on a cruise all the time, of course; you have to live in the workaday world. Communicate with each other about the day. See things from your partner's point of view. This will help you be more understanding with each other, and you might bring each other a nice relaxing cup of tea in the evening.

4. Make a genuine effort to like your partner's family.

They're different from you, of course, but celebrate the differences. Be friendly and empathetic toward them, and let them know you like them. Family gatherings will go smoother, and you may find that you've made a bunch of new friends.

5. Plan a "perfect" day.

Plan an outing for just the two of you once a week. It can be whatever you both enjoy, for example, dinner and a movie, a picnic, a walk in the woods, or a trip to a museum. It can be going someplace special you used to go when you were dating. Even watching the sun go down can be a lovely shared experience.

6. Don't forget some of that good, good lovin'!

Intimacy is very important in a marriage; it brings couples closer together. Be sure to make time for this beautiful part of marriage.

7. Always be open to compromise.

Sometimes go to a restaurant that your partner likes, but that you think is ho-hum. If your partner wants a speedboat, but you want a gazebo in the yard, agree to get something you both like. Working out differences with your partner is really the basis of a good marriage, and being considerate of each other is the key to happiness. Things will always come up, but with these seven steps, especially being considerate, you, too, can make the honeymoon last!