We all know that there are no tried and true rules to a happy marriage. However, the basic rules of mutual respect play a large part in a successful union.

Consider the following:

__Remember how to communicate with each other. Share your dreams of the future, your day-to-day thoughts, let your partner share in your business successes and your failures.

__Keep your relationship a number one priority. If you don't take care of it, it can't take care of you. Make time for each other. You can find 20 or 30 minutes out of the day to reconnect by rising a half hour early to share coffee or simply talking after you are in bed.

__Teach your children to respect mom and dad time. Children sometimes become jealous when they see their parents sitting and talking together and may abruptly interrupt. If the interruption is not important answer quickly and return your conversation. Additionally, the first lesson of respecting mom and dad time should be 'knock on the door and wait for an answer before entering unless it is an emergency.'

__Don't sweat the small stuff. Don't hold a grudge. If you have an issue, talk about it after you have had some time to cool down. If you feel that you have been insulted or your feelings have been hurt, let your partner know. Don't allow your anger to simmer and boil over and become something ugly.

__Don't play good parent, bad parent, when you discipline your children. Share the burden, the responsibility and the joy of your children.

__Have a date night. Make arrangements for a babysitter and spend some time out of the house together. Your date doesn't have to be fancy, go out for pizza or go to a movie. Of course, a dress-up outing never hurts. What to do if you are surprised that your honey looks 'Wow!' and the proverbial green-eyed monster rears its' ugly head? Rein in any snide remarks and get rid of the monster, instead let your partner know how good, hot, etc., he or she looks and how lucky you feel.

Suggested reading, available from Amazon.com. The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country's Foremost Relationship Expert.