Would you agree with this advice?
A long-lasting happy marriage obviously takes some work. This is why advice from couples who have been together a long time is always welcomed by younger spouses-to-be and newlyweds.
The married people of Reddit have come together to offer some tips about what makes a long and happy life with your other half.
These are the ones that stood out to us.
Communicate.
We know this one sounds obvious and overused, but consider what strong communication really means. This woman shared that she and her husband regularly ask about each others feelings.
'Let the other person know what you're thinking/feeling daily. Your partner cannot read your mind, don't expect them to.
So many fights can be avoided by just using your words
My husband and I always "check in" with each other and ask about the day, feelings for the day, feelings/ideas/hesitations/excitement for the future, etc.' -shortncurvypixie
Don't keep score.
Marriage is not a game and if you're in it for the long haul you won't keep score because you know it will all even out in the end.
'Don't keep score. If you're always worried about who does more of what, you're missing the big picture.
At the same time, don't take advantage of your SO. Do the dishes without being asked. Vacuum.'-opus_4_vp
Don't lie.
You might think little lies are no harm but if this person is someone you are spending the rest of your life with, lying is certainly not a good start.
'Don't get into the habit of lying to your partner, not even about the small things. Don't try to justify it in your mind that you're doing it in their best interests to "avoid conflict". Because once the trust is gone, the marriage is doomed.' -Cortoro
Don't be stubborn about being right.
Being right in an argument is not always the most important thing, often times it's about working through the disagreement and coming to a solution together.
'Drop your sense of pride in your relationship. You don't always need to be right. The only person you're being prideful against is your spouse. Nobody else cares that it's "the principle of the thing.'' - mortyshaw
Another user who goes by
ECU_BSN reiterated this point.
'Took me about six years to figure this one out but you are so correct. When one of us wins in a fight nobody wins. You shouldn't want to make the person you love lose or feel bad there's a way to talk that doesn't involve that.'
So it seems pretty simple. Communication, trust and friendship are important foundations for a happy marriage.