Secrets to Maintaining Martial Bliss

A dear friend of mine got married last fall, and she and the groom requested advice from the guests.  Here's what I wrote.  I like this so much I had to share it with you.

"Communicate.  Show your love.  Give compliments.  Dance together.  Hold hands a lot.  Kiss a lot.  Throw away your TV.  Cuddle.  Spoon.  Be best friends.  Acknowledge your mate for his/her achievements, talents, beauty, etc. on a regular basis.  Share and practice similar spiritual beliefs.  Be responsible for your own physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being so you can show up as the awesome partner your mate deserves.  Don’t take each other for granted.  Be kind always.  Do your fair share of the chores.  When you have kids, share parenting duties fairly.  Let him learn to get baby to sleep without her or nursing.  Go on dates without your baby.  Ask for help when you need it.  Get a sitter.  Go on dates so you remember that you are a couple.  Give gifts and flowers for no reason.  Play footsies.  Adore each other.  Massage each other.  Eat meals together.  Gaze into one another’s eyes.  Choose your words very carefully when upset.  Be yourself—that is who your mate fell in love with.  Grow together.  Admire each other.  Lift each other up.  Always be respectful and loving.  Do nurturing things for yourself too.  Take long walks together.  Be equals.  Listen to each other.  Avoid saying “you always” and “you never.”  Stretch.  Breathe.  Keep intoxicants to a minimum.  Be grateful every day.  Make love.  Make music.  Laugh.  Be vulnerable with one another.  Trust one another.  Have compassion.  Smile at each other.  Be romantic because it is fun.  Stay at a B&B.  See the Divine in one another.  See yourself in your mate.  Observe his/her body language.  Hug spontaneously.  Keep your heart open.  Play.  Be gentle.  Have a couch that is good for snuggling on.  Fall in love with your spouse over and over again."