It melts our hearts to see our grandparents holding hands and making jokes at the dinner table that make the other crack up. 

Their love has stood the test of time, still talking about each other with that same twinkle in their eyes. 

So we gotta ask, what is the secret to a good marriage? 

1. Make each other a priority every single day.

That means communicating. That means hearing the other out, even if it’s 3 in the morning or 3 in the afternoon. Take the time to make sure you express how you’re feeling, even if it’s uncomfortable.  

2. Never give up, even when the love feels a little lost. 

We live in an “instant gratification” kind of society. People want to be happy, and they want it now. Every healthy relationship will go through its fair share of ups and downs. 

The problem is that people assume that the bad times won’t get better and that they can find someone else that will make them happier. Don’t give up on each other. 

The dark times always feel like they won’t end, but you can make it through.

3. Make even the most boring moment fun.

There is nothing quite as therapeutic as laughing together. Allow yourself to laugh and laugh often. Be goofy together. Don’t be afraid to be silly. Do everything you can to make the other laugh. 

4. Always be on the same team. 

Hard times are going to come, and when they do, you need to make sure that you’re still standing next to each other and walking through it together. 

Whether it’s something between the two of you or a problem with friends or family or work, you’re a team. You stand together and support each other. Don’t let anyone tear that foundation apart. 

5. Never stop learning about each other.  

We are always constantly growing and changing. So, make it a habit to pay attention to your partner as they change and change with them. If they have a new hobby, check it out with them. 

You don’t have to love all of the things they love, but if you make an effort to understand why they do, they'll notice and appreciate you for it.  

6. Pick your battles wisely. 

You’re going to get on each other’s nerves. And, sometimes, your first reaction will be to go right in for the argument or tell them all the things they’ve done wrong or call them out for pushing your buttons. 

Think it through for awhile before you do. Think about if it’s necessary and if it’s worth it. No, you can’t avoid all arguments, but you can avoid some. 

7. Marry your best friend. 

Because life is going to throw a lot at you. And, at the end of the day, it’s about finding someone to adventure with, to grow with, to laugh with. 

It’s about supporting each other, holding tight to one another, and never giving up on each other.  

And, hopefully, someday you’ll be able to look back at the life you’ve led and the love you’ve found and realize that you had the real thing. And, that through every bump and crossroad, it was absolutely worth it. 

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