1. Keep Dating Each Other (Yes, Even If You Share a Bathroom)
What it means: Don’t let “Netflix and takeout” become your only date night.
How to do it:
• Try a new restaurant once a month — even if it’s just the taco truck by the gas station.
• Switch off who plans date night. Surprise counts.
• If you can’t remember your last “real” date, your marriage is hungry. Feed it before it starts chewing the furniture.
2. Learn the Art of the “Small Apology”
What it means: Apologies aren’t just for big fights. They’re for the everyday “oops” moments.
How to do it:
• “Sorry I was cranky, I skipped lunch” works better than sulking until bedtime.
• Don’t justify — own it.
• Use humor: “I apologize for my tone earlier. It was brought to you by a lack of coffee.”
3. Keep Laughing at the Weird Stuff
What it means: You already know each other’s quirks. Now, embrace them.
How to do it:
• When your spouse does that thing you usually roll your eyes at, make a joke instead.
• Have inside jokes you pull out during tense moments.
• Watch comedy together. (Pro tip: shared laughter is glue.)
• Every couple has at least one dumb story they’ve laughed about for years. Collect them like souvenirs.
4. Don’t Stop Having “Big Talks”
What it means: You’ve covered who takes out the trash, but life keeps changing — and so do you.
How to do it:
• At least twice a year, ask each other: “What do you want more of in life right now?”
• Talk about money, family goals, and what’s stressing you — before it blows up.
• Dream together, even if it’s small stuff like a road trip or backyard project.
5. Make Peace with the Annoying Habits
What it means: Some quirks are permanent fixtures.
How to do it:
• If it’s not hurting you, them, or the dog — let it go.
• Reframe it: “They never hang the towel up” becomes “Hey, I get to be the towel boss.”
• Pick your battles, then pick fewer.
• If you think you can change them, remember: they’ve had a lifetime to perfect this habit.
6. Protect Your “Us” Time
What it means: Guard time that’s just for the two of you.
How to do it:
• Say no to some invitations.
• Schedule lazy days at home on purpose.
• Have tech-free zones or hours.
7. Keep Score… of the Good Stuff
What it means: Instead of tallying up offenses, track acts of kindness.
How to do it:
• Say “thank you” for everyday things, even the small ones.
• Mention your spouse’s good points to others (they’ll hear about it).
• Keep a “gratitude note” on the fridge or in your phone.
8. Plan Fun, Not Just Chores
What it means: Life can easily turn into one long to-do list.
How to do it:
• Book something to look forward to every month — big or small.
• Do silly challenges: try cooking a meal using only ingredients starting with “B.”
• Play games — board, card, or make up your own rules.
9. Fight Smart, Not Dirty
What it means: Disagreements happen — do them well.
How to do it:
• No name-calling, eye rolls, or “you always/never.”
• Stick to the topic — no kitchen-sink arguments.
• Pause when it’s heated. (Tip: Time-outs aren’t just for kids.)
10. Keep Building Your Story
What it means: Your wedding day was just Chapter 1.
How to do it:
• Create traditions that are yours alone.
• Take photos of the “ordinary” days, not just the vacations.
• Look back often, but keep moving forward.
• In 20 years, you’ll be telling stories about “that time the cat knocked over the cake” — not your perfectly folded laundry.