Do I love you because you're beautiful, or are you beautiful because I love you? ~Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, Cinderella

Catherine Zeta-Jones, (married to Michael Douglas) said: "For marriage to be a success, every woman and every man should have their own bathroom!". I agree 100%, and i'm sure, judging by the way their marriage is going, Catherine and Douglas are having lot's of laughs, and enjoying each other as soul mates.

Mr and Mrs Hope: No marriage is perfect. But, there are couples who are making the most, if not the best of what they have. That's always a good thing. We remember one of entertainment history's high profile Bob Hope who married singer Dolores Reade in 1934 and adopted four children. A marriage that lasted until his death in July 2003, which is an amazing feat nowadays. Many, many years ago on a television interview, both admitted that they had some rough times in their marriage journey. They revealed that what kept them together was not only their love and respect for each other, but their firm belief in the vows they made to one another. Unlike many celebrity marriages, there was no hint of scandal in the marriage. When Dolores was asked about her long-term marriage, she responded, "It’s all been pretty good. It’s all been pretty good." Wouldn't it be great if we all could say that after 69 years of marriage?"

Mr and Mrs Newman: Another one of the most endearing marriages that came out of notorious 'hallowwood', was that of Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman, which begun in 1958 and lasted till his death in 2008. The Newmans lived away from the Hollywood environment, which may explain part of their wise thinking, sound values and lasting marriage. They made their home in Westport Connecticut. Paul Newman was well known for being devoted to his wife and family. When asked about infidelity, he famously quipped, "Why go out for hamburger when you have steak at home? Joanne herself said, "Sexiness wears thin after a while, and beauty fades. But to be married to a man who makes you laugh every day, ah, now that's a real treat." One can only imagine the kind of love that glued them together.

What about the rest? Why are others more successful in finding the right partner, or soul mate? Is it destiny? Or do other's just work harder in 'staying the course'? First, it may help to define what is meant by "soul mate". Soulmate is a term used to designate someone with whom one has a feeling of deep and natural affinity, love, intimacy, sexuality, spirituality, and compatibility. A related concept is that of the twin flame or twin soul – which is thought to be the ultimate soulmate, the one and only other half of one's soul, for which all souls are driven to find and join. An intimate relationship is a particularly close interpersonal relationship in which the participants know or trust one another very well or are confidants of one another, or a relationship in which there is physical and emotional intimacy.

Experts say, the aspect of compatibility can be measured by couples' reactions to everyday situations. That it's the little things that are never said, when falling in love, the day-to-day routine of living together, minor issues that become the major ones. There's a "Marital Compatibility Test" that's been designed to assist couples predict their chances of living together in harmony. It is filled with hundreds of questions on topics such as sex, in-laws, having children, pets, cooking, food preferences, exercise and fitness, house-cleaning, travel, household economics, interior decorating, religion, and politics. This probing into the psyche of one's beloved is said to be quite enlightening or entertaining. For example:

• The final decision on major purchases should be made
  (a) jointly, (b) by the person who makes the most money,
  (c) by the person who has researched the product.
• Leftover food should be allowed to remain in the refrigerator
  (a) 1-3 days, (b) one week, (c) until it becomes a science project,
  (d) for the life of the appliance.
• The person who should clean the bath tub is
  (a) the week's designated cleaner, (b) husband, (c) wife, (d) whoever thinks it's dirty.
• If a child misbehaves, the child should be
  (a) spanked, (b) sent to his room, (c) deprived of dinner,
  (d) restricted from activities, (e) reasoned with.

Not that simple right?

Do you know if the one you are with is your soul mate? Here are 7 questions to ask and to consider carefully:

1. Do you miss him/her after being away or absent from each other in a few days, and do you get that feeling of "coming home" when you see each other?

2. Do you consider this person among your 3 best friends? in a successful marriage there is often no better friend than the spouse.

3.Are your basic set of values and beliefs the same, more or less? When it comes to marriage it is very important that you share similar views about the major questions of life. The more your political views, religious/spiritual beliefs, and values about how to live your life are in alignment with those of your mate, this is one fewer thing that could get in the way of a happy marriage down the road.

4. Do you operate on the 70% rule? Wise married couples realize over time - that about 70% of each other''s habits, behaviors are never going to change. In many ways, it is futile to try to change someone. The more you can accept the person for who they are now, the better the chances of a happy relationship

6. Is "compromise" at work in your relationship? Before marrying, establish a pattern of mutual compromise with each other on a regular basis. Make sure to get into the habit of allowing the other person to get their way quite often. If you can do this, you have accomplished what many married couples never quite do.

7. Is there mutual respect? In addition to physical attraction, mutual respect is an essential part of a good marriage. You may be attracted to each other physically, but at some level do not 100% respect the other person. Mutual respect is a critical part of the recipe of marriage.

At least 5 affirmation on the seven questions shows you are likely with your special soul mate and are very compatible. Congratulation! If not, just keep trying.

1. Continue to build intimacy -- both sexually and emotionally -- throughout your marriage.
2. Create passion for life and for one another.
3. 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.
4. Continue to be committed to each other and celebrate your sense of commitment.
5. Like one another and be friends with each other.
6. Have fun together
7. Comfort, encourage, and affirm one another.
8. Be able to stand on your own feet as a couple and not be dependent either financially or emotionally on either of your parents.
9. Respect one another's need for privacy and space
10. Parent together.
11. Deal with a crisis and adversity together.
12. Fight fair.
13. Accept your differences and don't try to change your spouse.
14. Be honest.
15. Support one another's goals and achievements.
16. Respect each other.
17. Take time to share dreams and goals on a regular basis with your spouse.
18. Consider daily dialogue as a means of improving your communication.
19. Laugh together at least once a day.
20. Remember kindness towards each other is a great gift.
21. Share your daily expectations.
22. Make decisions about finances, disciplining the children, chores, vacations, etc., together.
23. Take time to be alone together working on your intimacy. Schedule dates or romantic getaways.

Again, we can take a few more tips from those who are keeping the fire in their relationship going...

Pierce Brosnan, married to Keely Shaye Smith: "I love romance: I bring Keely breakfast in bed on a tray with a single flower from our garden. I did that when we first started dating, and I still do it."

Bill Cosby, married to Camille Cosby: "The heart of marriage is memories; and if the two of you happen to have the same ones and can savor your reruns, then your marriage is a gift from the gods."

Jerry Falwell: "Macel and I decided years ago, we are going to do whatever we have to to make this marriage work. It's been 42 years now... and we are committed to another 42, or whatever God allows ... I never have to guess how Macel feels about something - she tells me! Learn to talk without fighting. You can win the argument and lose your marriage! Marriage is a relationship, not a contest. There are no winners, unless you both win! Talk together, pray together, then play together."

Kelly Preston, married to John Travolta: "You have to keep creating a marriage. We talk about everything. We grow and change together, because nothing ever stays the same; you've got to continue evolving."

Last but not least, i want to take this opportunity to greet my daughter Anna and husband Owen a happy wedding anniversary, as they celebrate their 7th year together. May God's love continue to overflow in your hearts forever and ever. You've only just begun!