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.

• A Case for Marriage - a human right? This is a well thought out case for marriage - regardless of sexual orientation.  Trisha, thank you for putting your thoughts out here! I wonder how many individuals would be given permission to be authentic who are heavily entrenched in Religion to 'come out' - which could possibly be......
• Introducing Myself As previously announced by Laura, she recently sold her blog to a guy called The Financial Blogger. Well that guy is me, Mike, and The Financial Blogger is the name of my first blog. Selling a blog is a tough decision to make for both the seller and the buyer.......
• 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,......
• Father's Day Message: It's Time To "Man Up" I first heard the expression "man up" from my high school football coach. When we got tired, and started complaining about the heat, or hurting, or needing a break, he simply replied, "You better man up!" As a teenage boy I got the message, and played through exhaustion and injuries,......
• When Frugality Isn't Enough The following guest post is from Trent Hamm of The Simple Dollar. I've been a fan of Frugal Dad for quite a while. This site offers a tremendous amount of specific and smart advice on how to reduce your spending and get a strong financial foothold. It's advice that everyone......

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