With divorce rates at a record high, it may seem like happy marriages are a thing of the past. However, if you are looking for ways not only to survive in a marriage, but actually enjoy it, there are several things you can do. A happy marriage does not have to be locked in nostalgic memories of your parents or grandparents relationships. You can have your own happy marriage; it’s possible, read on to find out how.

Who said manners are only for the dinner table at a stranger’s house? Ask yourself when was the last time you treated your spouse with common courtesy? Don’t let the routine of life make you forget your manners. Use please, thank you and excuse me with your partner. These expressions will help communicate your respect for one another.

Keep separate interests and hobbies. While it may be great to do some things together, spending most of your free time together is a new phenomenon that simply doesn’t seem to work. For instance, if he wants to spend his time riding diamondback bikes with his pals, there is no need for you to join.

Get together with your own friends. This can help you discover yourself and give you a break from your routine. Get away from your ordinary surroundings, and so something you enjoy. Doing things separately from time to time will even give you something to talk about when you get together.

Don’t forget what you look like. You may be looking forward to changing into your raggedy clothes as soon as you get home from work, however, taking care of your appearance can play a big role in your relationship, even when pregnant. Wearing something nice while getting dinner ready, or just for the evening can send a message to your partner that you care. It’s flattering and your spouse will appreciate it.

The golden rule of never going to bed angry should definitely apply to your marriage. Even if you can not come to an agreement over the disagreement, make a pact to let the anger go over night. Remind each other how lucky you both are to have each other to quarrel with in the first place!

Give compliments, they will go a long way in making your relationship last. When you compliment someone this means you’ve taken the time to recognize their appearance, their accomplishments and efforts. This means a lot to the person receiving the compliment. Even if it is just a simple compliment on your spouses pearl izumi shorts. They’ll enjoy the fact that you are paying attention to them.

• How to Buy Cologne for a Man If you want to buy cologne as a gift for your father, brother, boyfriend, husband or any man on your list, it's probably easier than you think to get them a scent they'll love. Just keep a few tips in mind and it'll be hard to go wrong. Don't buy......
• Keeping the Right Perspective During Your Diet Dieting is not for the faint hearted, and it is not easy. If you fail to keep the right perspective during your diet, it is all too easy to give into cravings, to fall off the wagon and simply give up. Before you even think about going on a diet,......
• Review Daisies Never Lie by Lynn Byer Daisies Never Lie is the second book that I've read by Lynn Byer. I was given an ebook, but it was my choice to review it. Her first was Trouble in Paradise. Both books are self-published, which we may begin to find is the newer 'publishing' model -- after all......
• Money Does Buy Happiness... Imagine that! It's long been assumed that money doesn't buy happiness. There was a famous study in the 70s (PDF) that supported this claim. It concluded that as long as your basic needs are met, money doesn't buy happiness - it's money relative to the people around you. If you don't believe......
• Yakezie Challenge Time This week we had the slacker's guide to following New Year's Resolutions posted. For those of you that ever failed to reach a resolution or a set goal, this is a post that you need to check out. Once you start to set small and realistic goals you will find......

Tags: marriage pointers, successful marriage, tips for healthy marriage