Remember the rules you learned in kindergarten on how to behave and treat each other? Well, I’ve put together a similar list for married folk. Below are simple tips from A to Z that will help you have a happy relationship.

Always apologize when you’re wrong. It’s the mature thing to do.

Be available when your spouse needs you. Don’t put him/her on the back burner.

Control your tongue. No explanation needed.

Don’t neglect each other. This opens doors that need to remain closed.

Express your love towards one another. However you feel comfortable, with words, gifts, etc.

Focus on your marriage, no one else’s. The grass may appear greener,

Give each other space. Everyone needs time alone.

Help each other. Where one is weak, the other be strong.

Initiate sex at different times of the day. This can be so fun!

Joke as often as possible with each other. Laughter is great for the soul.

Keep God in your marriage. I can’t express how important this is.

Listen when your spouse talks to you. You don’t have to fix things all the time, just listen.

Memorize your spouse’s favorite things. Everyone loves ‘just because’ gifts.

Never go to bed angry. This can be difficult but not impossible.

Offer praise when it’s due. No better way to boost the ego.

Put away childish behavior. Marriage is for grown folks.

Quit thinking you always have to have the last word. You don’t.

Respect your spouse. Always.

Stay away from people who mean you no good. You know who they are.

Talk about what’s bothering you. Don’t assume your spouse knows.

Understand that your marriage won’t be perfect. And that’s okay because no one is perfect.

Voice any concerns you have to your spouse when they pop up. Don’t wait.

Whisper sweet nothings to your spouse. If you do it right those nothings will definitely turn into something!

XOXO every single day. You know… kisses and hugs.

Yearn to make your marriage work. Never lose the desire to have a happy marriage.

Zero in on the root of any problem that comes up and destroy it. This may take time, but you can do it.

Of course applying the above tips won’t keep trouble out of your marriage. Things come up and life happens, but hopefully remembering these tips will help you avoid unnecessary arguments.  Some of these tips are common sense and everyone should know this, but you’d be surprised. I’ve been married 19 years and I have to remember to practice these tips myself!

BMWK family, what rules can you suggest for a happy marriage?