Despite all the social, financial and health benefits that a good marriage provides, many couples are reluctant to seek marriage guidance at critical early stages of relationship breakdown. What typically occurs is that one person may want marriage guidance, while the other resists it.

There appears to be two sides within the dynamics of the marital relationship. Marriage offers people an opportunity to have and to be with that one person who is friend, partner, lover and fellow life traveler. While every marriage problem will have different solutions, these are some guide that works in most cases.

Always keep it romantic. For example, say "I Love You" every day to each other – no matter what!

 Love each other unconditionally.

Laugh, have fun, and enjoy, for they bring you closer to each other.

Respect each other.

Be grateful to your spouse no matter how small it may be.

Remember, there are no perfect humans, so there are no perfect spouses.

Always communicate; it is the key to a healthy relationship. There is no room for secrets and there is no reason to have them at all.

Place the first priority on your spouse and not your children.

Never ever hurt your spouse's feelings. It can happen, but reconcile your differences.

Express your feelings rather than keeping them inside. Don't wait until later.

Listen when your spouse is speaking to you with no selective hearings.

Always care for your spouse; it is your responsibility to be there.

If your spouse has an interest and it does not interest you, you go anyway! Support each other's interests and enjoy each other's company. Spending time together rises above the interest.

Work together as a team in your home. Share the responsibilities.

Careers are a job you've been working at for many years. Don't put your career before your spouse. Love rates much higher than career.

If both of you are living over your financial means, and all you fight about is money. Advice: downsize, downsize!

Improving your self-being is a positive make and it makes for a happier marriage.

Couples learn in marriage guidance the keys that work specifically to their relationship. It is through this experiential learning, that each partner acquires the knowledge and skills that work in their marriage. For further help, visit Marriage Guidance.