Marriage is sometimes entered into lightly, but the reality is that it's a commitment which needs nurturing and patience in order to be successful. The secrets to a long and happy marriage are not really secrets at all, just knowing how to retain the love and friendship which brought you together in the first place.

1. If you get married thinking you can change your partner into someone else, forget it! You were undoubtedly attracted to them in the first place because of who they were, so why should you want them to change? Adapt yourself to fit in with your spouse if you want your marriage to succeed.
2. Whatever happens, don't stop talking to each other. A problem shared is a problem halved so the saying goes, and it is definitely true in a marriage. Whatever your difficulties they can be sorted out together rather than apart.
3. Don't stop being intimate with one another. Love and affection are so important in order to keep the spark alive in a marriage. Sex is important, but so is holding each other and considering the other's needs and desires in a sexual relationship.
4. No-one is perfect, not even you! You should already know some of your spouse's so called flaws before you marry, but sometimes in a domestic situation they can suddenly seem to have blown out of proportion. Learn to accept them, or subtly try to point them out, but never let them become a barrier in your relationship.
5. The worst thing anyone can do to someone close to them is to totally ignore them. The feeling of worthlessness this creates can cause a multitude of problems. In order for your marriage to remain a happy one, you must always appreciate the other's point of view and make allowances.
6. Arguing is all part and parcel of living with someone. You can't always agree no matter how close you are to one another. Don't let the arguments get out of hand though, and don't let them fester.
7. It's important to retain the part of yourself which is outside of the marriage. So don't let your friends disappear, keep up your relationships and spend time with them. It will also give you things to talk about when you get home.
8. Don't take each other for granted. Don't expect your spouse to automatically always do the chores or to accept your bad moods. Consider their feelings, and their daily tasks, and offer to help out.
9. Try to have time to yourselves when you can sit in a romantic setting and enjoy each other's company as you did before you were married. It will remind you of why you got together in the first place, and will also help to create a deep friendship.
10. Whatever problems you encounter, and however awful they may seem at times, try to find it in your heart to forgive each other. A long and happy marriage is often built on the art of being able to forgive.