Marriage is hard work. Great marriages are even harder.

So, what are some things that make great marriages soar? What keeps them going?

Here are some few thoughts.

1. Let differences work for them:
All couples are made with two different people. No two people in the world are just alike. In marriages, I’m convinced opposites often do attract. But great couples learn to build upon those differences. They build upon each other’s strengths and let each other minimize their weaknesses. “Two are better than one”—the author of Ecclesiastes says—and great couples live this truth.

2. Extend grace for the minor annoyances.
Can we just be honest? People do stuff that gets on our nerves at times. That’s true of all of us, even with the people—maybe even especially with the people—we love the most. Great couples have learned not to let those little things distract from the major things—like love and commitment.

3. Serve each other.
There are no 50-50 splits of responsibility in a great marriage. Great couples learn to sacrificially serve one another. In the best relationships, it would be difficult to judge who serves one another more. There may be times one gives 100 percent, because the other can’t give anything. And there are other times the other spouse gives 100 percent. And neither complains when it’s their turn to give all.

4. Prioritize their time.
Great couples spend time together. Life is busy for all of us. These couples schedule time together. They find things to do that each of them enjoy. And they say no to other things that would keep them from having adequate time together.

5. Keep no secrets.
There are no hidden issues among great couples. They are vulnerable with each other. Both partners open themselves up to the other person completely.

6. Publicly support each other.
Great couples are supportive of each other in public. They don’t tear each other down in public. They handle private issues in private.

7. Keep no record of wrongs.
Great couples learn to forgive. There aren't any lingering issues that haven’t been resolved.

I feel the need to emphasize with the understanding that it takes two people—both committed to making the marriage great—for any of these to work. There are some people who would give anything to make a great marriage, but they are the only part of the couple trying. I get that. A one-sided commitment won’t work when attempting to bond two people into one great couple.

But when two people are willing to work hard, a great marriage is within reach. For all of us. We should work towards great marriages, and break the cycle of divorces that seems to be holding sway.

Number 7 is my problem..

So true,no marriage is ever perfect but with these and more and also with God who is the head of every home,all things will fall in place.May the peace and love of God dwell in our homes.

Be GENUINE friends with LOVE, RESPECT AND HAVE SOME COMMON GOALS!

LaRoyalHighness: Number 7 is my problem..

It takes a lot of self discipline to overcome this, especially if similar offenses do occur in future