A single wordless hug can go a long, long way.

Remember your priorities: love above money and things always, always, always.

Count your blessings every day — particularly during the hard times.

The glass is as full as you choose to see it.

Never give up. Ever.

Make each other laugh. You can’t do this too often.

When it’s really right, there will never be enough time together be it days, years, or decades.

Here is my list, in no particular order:

Always be honest. Always.

Tell the whole truth. The whole truth. Always. Omission is still a lie.

Be loyal, but moreover, be determined to be loyal. This is how commitment sticks.

Be good friends first.

Make sure you can talk about anything.

Live together first to get the hang of things.

Compliment each others’ strengths and weaknesses, i.e. my husband is a morning person, I am more suited to evening. This works our well for our kids, one of us is always available.

Realize that marriage is not a happy ending, but the beginning.

Realize that marriage serves to heal you both. Mutually working on this is the only way to harmony.

Put yourself your spouse’s shoes whenever possible or necessary. Seeing the world from your spouse’s perspective can solve many problems.

Let little stuff go by whenever possible.

As they say, “Marriage is work,” but if you love your job, it’s the best one you’ll ever have.

Remember that each spouse has a shadow (unhealed unconscious pain). Get to know each other’s shadows! This will save many a day.

Communicate. Communicate. Communicate.

When that’s not working, go to therapy together.

Listen. Listen. Listen.