From My Mother…

Do choose your battles.
Don’t force your spouse to take part in the
activities that you enjoy. Sometimes you can go it
alone!

From My Sisters…
Do cut out words like should or ought, as in “You
should be a better listener.” That’s parental, not
relational. Instead, simply ask for what you need.
Don’t have a script for a happy marriage in your
head—and don’t expect your spouse to magically
follow it.

From My Best Friend…
Do recognize what your spouse brings to the
relationship rather than focusing on what you
wish he or she brought. Rejoice in the ways you
and your spouse fit together; try to work around
the ways you don’t.
Don’t compare your relationship with others.

From Pop Culture…
Do watch reality-TV shows about online dating
disasters, such as the MTV show Catfish, instead
of acting them out in real life.
Don’t forget that while a wedding can seem like a
Broadway show with you in the starring role, a
marriage is about forging a connection that
endures long after the curtain falls.

From My Marriage…
Do come to some resolution to restore peace
after a fight, even if it’s just saying, “I’m sorry.”
Don’t lose sight of what attracted you to the other
person in the first place. That part might be
hidden, but it’s still there