I read somewhere that the best way to keep a marriage fresh is to always Act Like You’re Dating. I like the sound of that. I don’t think it is always that easy, but it works. If you keep in mind the wants and desires of your spouse, you will both be happier.

          Personally, I like to take my husband’s advice. He has always said that he tries to Live Life Without Regrets. When it comes to family, he doesn’t do anything that he might regret. He puts a great deal of thought into everything. He NEVER loses his temper, he spends a lot of quality time with me and our kids, and he is very compassionate about our future. He is wonderful.

          Honesty Is The Best Policy. YES, but I have to say, you might just regret giving too much detail. My husband knows absolutely everything about my past, not that there’s much to tell, but he knows about every little crush I’ve ever had. I must say, when it comes to your actions, thoughts and desires, from day one of your relationship…they are fair game. You owe it to yourself and your spouse, to be open and honest about everything!

          The most important piece of advice I have ever gotten about relationships also came from my husband. We were dating and he asked me if I liked something he had made for dinner. I didn’t want to say, “NO!” So, I said “Oh, yeah. It’s great!” Well, that was a mistake. Every time he talked about making me dinner, he would talk about that first meal.  Finally, I had to come clean. Thus, the advice was born. He said, “Honey, don’t lead me to believe you like something just to spare my feelings. If I think you like something, I’ll keep doing it. If you tell me the truth, we’ll find what you do like, together.” Well, that was much better. And that advice works in all aspects of your relationship … food, personal habits, sex, driving styles and so much more. Don’t set up patterns of behavior that you won’t be happy to continue. Things change, but don’t allow unrealistic expectations taint the relationship.  Be Real From The Start.

                    The Little Things Really Are BIG.  Wake your spouse with a kiss, go to bed with a kiss, be patient, and listen to him when he’s talking. I know it’s difficult sometimes, to hear him over the kids screaming, the dog barking, the TV blasting and the white noise that seems to go on endlessly, but it’s important. Give him a few minutes to relax when he comes home from work. Don’t throw the kids at him as soon as he walks in the door. Make his favorite meal when he’s had a hard day. Surprise him with the occasional dinner out along with tickets to his favorite team or the movies. Compliment him. Men need compliments and thanks as much as women.

          The point is, if you want a great relationship, you have to put a great deal of work into it. It’s not even work, it is care. Whatever you want in life, you have to work for it…especially love.