1. GIVE AND TAKE IS NOT ALWAYS 50:50.

Don’t think that marriage means a perfect split down the line all the time or that it’s Splitsville once the give-and-take balance tilts.

Sometimes the ratio might be 60:40 or even 100:0--it depends on the situation. You'll probably have areas where you contribute more than your hubby does, and he'll probably have his own areas of strength as well. What matters is that you feel confident about your partner’s love for you and that you are at peace and emotionally fulfilled.

2. SHOUTING ONLY MAKES THINGS WORSE.

Speak calmly, even (especially) when discussing points of contention or conflict in your marriage. Raising your voice does little to solve your marital problems.Control your temper and talk to your husband about the things that bother you when you're calm and he's in a better mood. This way, you're both in the right frame of mind to solve your issues.

3. HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY.

In these days of career women and two-income families, it’s the quality of the marriage that keeps it alive, not economic dependence or tradition. And to keep your relationship with your husband healthy, you need to open up and share yourself--your thoughts, pains, joys. Total intimacy, not just intimacy in the sexual sense, leads the way to true love. There is a need for an honest exchange of feelings, especially about what hurts you in your marriage. When your spouse opens up to you, you feel there is love in the union even if you don’t always see eye to eye.

4. LAUGHTER REALLY IS THE BEST MEDICINE.

With so many challenges, a sense of humor is essential. Learning to appreciate the funny things in life--even when you're burdened by problems--is a sure way to keep things light between you and your husband. As the song goes, look on the bright side of life!

5. RESPECT ONE ANOTHER IS ESSENTIAL.

Even though you're married, you're a completely different person from your husband. Your likes, dislikes, and passions may be totally different from his. Don't force your belief systems on your husband. Instead, accept his choices and be mindful not to criticize when he does something that annoys you.

6. DECISION-MAKING SHOULD BE DEMOCRATIC.

Make decisions based on what is good for your family's overall interest and wellbeing. Your pride may make it difficult to make concessions, but you and your husband must work as a team. And if you put your family's welfare first, you will always arrive at a decision that both you and your husband are happy with.

Rather than snicker at your husband’s flaws or shortcomings, give him your full support. You may come from different social backgrounds, but if you put up a united front and don't let your make up for each other's failings, you will build a better relationship and a stronger family.

8. YOU NEED TO LOOK FOR THE GOOD IN HIM.

The challenge of marriage is to be able to love your partner when he is least lovable. When you begin to think that everything about him is bad, you may have to look deep in your heart to find the good in him. It may be tempting to cut and run when times get tough, but if you believe that your marriage is worth fighting for, then both you and your husband have to work for it.

source: femalenetwork.com