Many times couples find their relationship becoming stagnant, and they really don't know where to turn. They don't have marriage problems that they feel need marriage counseling but they know that there marriage needs something. So the following are things that make for successful marriages.

FRIENDSHIP: Being friends is one of the things that all successful couples have going for them. They treat each other with respect and talk about everything. They respect each other as individuals and don't feel threatened when the other person talks about their feelings about things.

DATE NIGHT: Another thing that most successful marriages do is set special time aside for just the two of them. This time is important for you to be together as a couple, relate as a couple and open up communication. Time together, with just the two of you, can bridge the gaps in your marriage.

TIME AWAY: Time with one's self is just as important as time as a couple. To have a successful marriage it is important to balance your marriage with some time for self. Whether it is time spent with friends, going out and enjoying something that you love, that your spouse does not enjoy. By doing this you can keep the healthy balance in your relationship, allowing each partner to be separated for some time. This will only be successful if each spouse is taking time for themselves and it is not abused.

SHARING: Whether it is household work or parenting, you and your spouse need to work as a team. Teamwork is the key to all healthy marriages. You need to work together on solutions to problems, challenges and decisions is a great way to stick together in good and bad times.

UNDERSTANDING: The realization that your spouse is not always going to be perfect is another key to a healthy relationship. If your spouse comes home after a stressful work day, it is important to realize his anger is truly not aimed at you and try to speak and open up the dialogue.

Communication is the MOST important thing for every marriage. If you find that you and your spouse are unable to successfully communicate with one another consider taking a course on communication or books out of the library. This will better assist you with opening up the lines of communication between you and your spouse.