How to Make Your Marriage Last

Step 1
Prepare to be married before you get married. This can be done with premarital counseling or just by sitting down and talking.
Step 2
Decide how your household will operate and who will have which roles. Often finances and children are never discussed until later in the marriage and an incompatibility is discovered.
Step 3
Talk about your religious and moral beliefs. What are your goals for the future? Where do you each see yourselves in 10 years? Is it the same place?
Step 4
Use common sense when arguments ensue. Don't use character assassination to make you look or feel better. You are just going to cause resentment with the other person.
Step 5
Designate a place that you can both come to compromise. Maybe you have a peaceful place in the garden or work better together in the kitchen.
Step 6
Implement a date night once a month and stick with it!
Step 7
Listen to the other person and let them finish their sentence completely before responding. Cutting people off is a huge sign of disrespect.
Step 8
Keep the spark alive. Intimacy is a very important part of any relationship.