12 Rules for a Happy Marriage

Rose - Happy Marriage
  • Never both be angry at once.
  • Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire..
  • Yield to the wishes of the other as an exercise in self-discipline, if you can’t think of a better reason..
  • If you have a choice between making yourself or your mate look good - choose your mate.
  • If you feel you must criticize, do so lovingly.
  • Never bring up a mistake of the past.
  • Neglect the whole world rather than each other.
  • Never let the day end without saying at least one complimentary thing to your life’s partner.
  • Never meet without an affectionate welcome.
  • Never go to bed mad.
  • When you’ve made a mistake, talk it out and ask for forgiveness.
  • Remember, it takes two to make an argument. The one who is wrong is the one who will be doing most of the talking.

Whenever I meet a couple that has been married for more than 50 years I always ask them how they’ve done it. One man said, “We agreed whoever wants the divorce has to take everything in the garage.”

A 94-year-old woman whose husband was 96 at the time whispered to me, “We always sleep naked and I keep my hand on Ted’s butt!” It’s gross, but kind of beautiful too.

“There are only three words you need to stay married,” a crusty old man told me. “Yes, my empress.” Women seem to like that one a lot.