Long Lasting Married Life

In many societies marriage links not just nuclear families but larger social formations as well. Some endogamous societies are divided into different exogamous groups (such as clans or lineages): Men form alliances through the exchange of women, and the social organization regulates these alliances through marriage rules. In some cases, two men from different groups exchange sisters for brides. Other instances involve an adult man marrying the young or infant daughter of another man; sexual relations would be deferred for many years, but the two men will have formed a strong bond. Marriages are often arranged by the families through the services of a matchmaker or go-between, and commence with a ritual celebration, or wedding. Some cultures practice trial marriage; the couple lives together before deciding whether they should marry. Society generally prescribes where newlywed couples should live: In patrilocal cultures, they live with or near the husband's family; in matrilocal ones, with or near the wife's family. Under neolocal residence, the couple establishes their own household.

These aspects of marriage (not listed in any type of priority) are listed as necessary for a long lasting marriage.

* Continue to build intimacy -- both sexually and emotionally -- throughout your marriage.

* Create passion for life and for one another.

* Forgive one another. Don't hang on to past baggage and past hurts. Be willing to let go and to move forward with your lives.

* Continue to be committed to each other and celebrate your sense of commitment.

* Like one another and be friends with each other.

* Have fun together, laugh together, and use humor in healthy ways.

* Comfort, encourage, and affirm one another.

* Be able to stand on your own feet as a couple and not be dependent either financially or emotionally on either of your parents.

* Respect one another's need for privacy and space.

* Parent together.

* Deal with a crisis and adversity together.

* Fight fair.