You Should Follow These 12 Rules If You Want A Happy, Healthy Marriage

One of the most common questions we hear is, “How do we make our relationship work?” The answers are complicated, varied, and after a while, start to sound like muddled platitudes. But these commonplace sayings get repeated because they work.

With this in mind, we pulled together 12 cliches that, in fact, reveal simple, tried-and-true advice for having a healthy, happy relationship (while you’re at it, check out these 50 MUST-READ marriage tips). Read on and let us know what you think:

1. Mind your manners.

“Please,” “thank you” and “you’re welcome,” can go a long way in helping your partner remember that you respect and love him and don’t take him for granted.

2. Variety is the spice of life.

Studies have shown that dullness can lead to dissatisfaction with a relationship. Trying something new can be as simple as visiting an unfamiliar restaurant or as grand as a backpacking trip through Sri Lanka. Discoveries you make together will keep you feeling close.

3. The couple that plays together, stays together.

Find a sport or hobby that you both love (no, watching TV doesn’t count) and make it a priority in your relationship. Camping, biking, building model trains… whatever it is, find something you enjoy doing together.

4. Fight right.

In order to have productive arguments, keep these rules in mind: Don’t call your spouse names. When things get really tough, take a break from the argument. Let the other person finish his/her sentences. Don’t initiate a discussion when you’re angry.

5. I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine.

No one likes demands (unless you’re in a BDSM role play) but everyone can appreciate a compromise. If you want your lover to do something and you’re not sure he’ll be agreeable, the quickest way to avoid a confrontation is to sweeten the deal. For example: “Sure, I’ll watch Monday Night Football if you take me to see the next movie of my choice.”

6. Two heads are better than one.

Being in a relationship basically means you’ve made a merger; you’ve not only joined assets but inherited the other’s problems as well. Rather than looking at his problems as merely his own, tackle them together. For example, if he’s gaining weight, rather than pushing him to diet on his own, enroll in an exercise program together.

7. Distance makes the heart grow fonder.

Maintain your own friendships and occasionally have a night out without your significant other. Doing things without your s.o. not only makes you miss him or her, it also keeps you sane. And in case the relationship doesn’t work out, you’ll still have your friends.

8. Sound it out.

In other words: communicate! Talking out the tough subjects — money, religion, fidelity, raising kids — will not be the most fun you’ve had, but it’ll be valuable.

9. Laughter is the best medicine.

Learn to laugh at yourself and at silly mistakes. If he throws your $300 cashmere sweater in the dryer, laughing it off is better than getting angry in the long run. It’s just a $300 cashmere sweater, not the end of the world.

10. Keep your eyes on the prize.

Yes, he forgot your co-worker’s name for the tenth time, but it probably doesn’t mean he doesn’t care about you. If you keep your perspective fixed on the goal — to be in a happy, functioning partnership — you’re less likely to get tangled up in every minor annoyance. Remember, you both want the same thing.

11. Quitters never win.

Find a ritual and keep it alive, no matter what. Whether it’s always kissing each other good night, renewing your wedding vows every year, sleeping in as late as you want once a month or committing to having sex once a week, pick something that makes you both feel good and stick to it, even when you’re tempted to skip.

12. When the going gets tough, the tough get going … to therapy.

Studies show that couples who seek counseling during rocky periods are more successful in resolving their issues than those who don’t. Whether its from a religious figure, counselor or mental health professional, getting an expert to help sort out strife is as wise as forgoing self-installation and hiring a plumber to put in a new sink.

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This post originally appeared at YourTango.