50 Best Marriage Tips of All Time, According to Relationship Experts

This marriage advice from therapists and counselors will help you and your spouse stay happily ever after.

If you want your marriage to make it, then you need to devote time, effort, and energy to your spouse, no matter how new or old your partnership is. Even stable marriages require regular maintenance and management. To help you keep your promise to live happily ever after, we talked to therapists, relationship experts, marriage counselors, and consulted tons of research to gather the best pieces of marriage advice we could find. With these marriage tips, you will be setting yourself up for a happy and healthy relationship for years to come.

1
Never leave the house without saying goodbye.

Couple kissing goodbye in the doorway before work
Shutterstock

Don't forget to give your spouse a hug and a kiss before you leave for work. It doesn't take more than a few seconds and can make a big difference in your relationship. "Affection keeps the juices flowing and the romance alive," explains psychotherapist Tina B. Tessina, PhD, author of How to Be Happy Partners.

2
Keep your spouse's secrets—no matter how small.

Businesswoman whispering to her colleague around a conference table
iStock

When your spouse confides in you, that's not something to take lightly. And even if the secret they shared with you seems small and trivial, it's not something you should tell friends and family members—no matter what.

"What may seem insignificant, trivial, or cute to you may be serious to your partner," Tessina says. "Recognize what is important to your partner and don't discuss it with your friends or family."

3
And never share personal details or private information about them to your friends.

conversationalist people talking over coffee Things You Should Always Do at a Fancy Restaurant
Shutterstock

Everyone gets annoyed with their significant other sometimes, and that's fine. However, a good spouse never, ever airs their grievances publicly.

"Even when it sounds like a joke, our partners are hurt, embarrassed, and shamed when we discuss private matters with family or friends," says dating and relationship coach Rosalind Sedacca. "As tempting as it may be to bring up those incidents with others, resist. It's disrespectful and won't lead to a positive resolution."

4
When bringing up a complaint or criticism, start with a compliment first.

shot of an affectionate young couple having a discussion about something on their date at a coffee shop
iStock

Nobody enjoys hearing about the things they're doing wrong, even when it's necessary. That's why Sedacca says that "when you need to express criticisms or frustrations with your partner, start with a compliment first. It's also smart to end with a reminder of something else you like about them." Doing so, she says, "puts the negative statements in perspective"

5
Use laughter to your advantage.

elderly couple laughing and smiling
iStock

Even in tense situations, sometimes all you need is a moment of levity to change the tone of the conversation. "If something frustrating is happening, try easing the tension with a bit of humor," suggests Tessina. "Don't poke fun at your mate, but use shared humor as a way to say, 'I know this is tough, but we'll get through it.' Your partner will think of you as someone soothing and helpful to have around when problems happen."

6
Split the household chores evenly.

young black couple wearing cleaning gloves high fiving while sitting on kitchen floor with cleaning products
Shutterstock/George Rudy

Make sure that it's not just you or just your spouse who is taking care of your household. One 2013 study published in the Journal of Family Issues found that couples were happier when they shared household and child-rearing duties.

7
Don't sweat the small stuff.

couple having coffee
Shutterstock

No relationship is perfect and there will always be minor things your spouse does that irk you, but that doesn't mean they warrant a serious discussion. "You can let his/her bad habits bother you to distraction—or you can accept them and work around them," Tessina says. "Does she leave the cap off the toothpaste? Buy separate tubes. Does he leave clothes laying around? Ignore them, or pick them up, remembering just how much he does for you in other ways."

8
Have calm conversations rather than heated arguments.

Couple talking and chatting on the couch
Shutterstock

It's natural to get angry sometimes. But having a discussion with your spouse, instead of an argument, is healthier in the long run. A 2012 UCLA study found that those who argued angrily were more likely to be divorced 10 years later than those who hashed things out conflict civilly.

9
And if you get upset or angry, take a minute before responding.

Young Asian lesbian couple argue and turn their back to each other in the bedroom
iStock

So, how do you avoid things escalating to the point of fighting angrily? When you and your spouse are frustrated, "take a few minutes to walk around the block, lay down, [or] just get away from each other so you can regroup," says Tessina. "A short break will allow you both to stay on track and discuss what's bothering you instead of accidentally making personal insults that you will regret later."

10
Change things up to avoid boredom.

couple hiking in woods
Shutterstock

Conflict isn't the only thing that can make your marriage turn sour. According to a 2009 University of Michigan study, boredom is a serious issue for married couples, too. So you should do your best to pepper your routine with some moments of unpredictability. Go on surprise day trips; take a class or do an activity together; plan a vacation abroad—whatever you do, just make sure things remain exciting, a throwback to the beginning of your relationship.

11
Don't ever stop going on dates.

older white couple toasting red wine at dinner
iStock

"Never stop dating," says certified emotional intelligence coach Bradley K. Ward, PCC. He notes that you can easily keep your relationship as fun and as loving as it was at the start simply by treating it exactly like you did then.

12
But make certain topics off-limits during date night.

Couple eating burgers at a restaurant for dinner
iStock

When you have kids, it can be nearly impossible to find alone time. So, when you do make it out, use the "BEWIK" rule to establish topics that are off-limits: bills, exes, work, in-laws, and kids. "This helps couples remember why they fell in love in the first place," says Michael Bloomberg, whose program, Date-night-ology, is designed to help couples reconnect.

13
Be sure to ditch the phones, too.

best at-home date night ideas
Shutterstock

During date night, make an effort to keep your cell phone in your pocket. "Give your date the priority of your time and your full attention they—and your relationship—deserve," says Los Angeles-based licensed marriage and family therapist David Strah. If you have kids, he suggests giving the babysitter a special ringtone in case of an emergency.

14
Also, when you go out, try to look nice.

middle aged white woman applying blush
iStock

"Make an effort for your partner [on date night]," suggests Strah. "Wear something that shows you care about how you look. Dress as if you are trying to catch their eye and reel them in again." A little effort goes a long way in rekindling that spark!

15
Make your spouse your top priority.

lesbian couple cuddling and talking to each other
iStock

Your spouse should always be your first priority—no matter what. Strah notes that you can show them that they are No. 1 by "being extra nurturing or by doing things you might not want to do—within healthy boundaries."

16
Address any issues before they escalate.

black man and woman talking outdoors
iStock/fizkes

The average couple waits six years after having a relationship problem to seek help, according to Bloomberg. Instead of letting things escalate, talk things out with your spouse and address the issue directly.

17
But don't try to change your spouse.

couple arguing in a car
iStock

There is a huge difference between supporting your spouse as they work on making healthy changes and asking them to be someone they're not. "It's not that your partner will never change. It's that you cannot change your partner," Karl Pillemer, PhD, head researcher behind the Cornell Marriage Advice Project, explains in his book 30 Lessons for Living.

"You may support your partner in an attempt to make a change, and you may change together. But what's misguided is the idea that you can push your husband or wife to change in the direction you have chosen for him or her," Pillemer writes. "People who finally accept their mate for who and what they are, rather than seeing them as a do-it-yourself project, find the experience liberating—and are much more likely to have happy and satisfying relationships for decades."

18
Foster a friendship as well as a romantic relationship.

happy senior couple outdoors
Shutterstock

We're schooled early on to think of friendship and romantic love as different. However, what makes friendships work are the same things that make a marriage work.

"We look forward to being with friends, we relish their company, we relax with them, we share common interests, and we talk openly," Pillemer writes in his book. During his research for the Cornell Marriage Advice Project, one 87-year-old told him, "Think back to the playground when you were a child. Your spouse should be that other kid you would most like to play with!"

19
Reminisce about the good times often.

Cropped shot of a mature couple looking at an old yearbook
iStock

The next time you want to make your spouse smile, remind them of a time when the two of you were happy as ever. "'Remember when…' is a great beginning to a loving conversation. It creates so much good feeling to remember how you were when you were dating, when you got married, when you first bought your house, when you had your first child, etc.," says Tessina. "Reminding yourselves of your solid history together is a way to increase your bond."

20
Understand that love changes over time—and embrace that change.

older couple hugging each other
iStock

The way you feel about your spouse is bound to change over time as you both evolve as people. And if you want your marriage to last, you need to embrace this change rather than try to turn back time.

"Quality relationships include the understanding that the definition and conceptualization of love constantly changes," explains clinical psychologist Stephanie J. Wong, PhD. "Many people associate love with the 'butterflies' that occur when first dating someone. As time goes on, you may still get butterflies, but it can also evolve to mutual respect, an advanced understanding of each other's likes and dislikes, and appreciating a partner's strengths."

21
And make an effort to grow together, not apart.

elderly couple in therapy together
iStock

"Never use the worn-out saying, 'We are just growing apart,'" warns Stacey Greene, author of Stronger Than Broken: One Couple's Decision to Move Through an Affair. "All of humankind is constantly growing, changing, and evolving. You can choose to grow together by changing, growing, and evolving as a couple."

22
Leave little love notes around the house for your spouse to find.

post-it that says i love you on mirror, better wife after 40
Shutterstock

People love to feel appreciated. And if you want to make your spouse feel extra special, an easy way to do so is with little love notes scattered around the house.

"Whether you write 'I love you' in a lipstick heart on the bathroom mirror, leave a bright pink Post-It note on their car window, or handwrite a real love letter that you cover in heart stickers and spray with perfume, it is nice for your partner to receive something sweet that they can keep as a memento," says licensed marriage and family therapist Christine Scott-Hudson, MA. "Give your partner something meaningful to keep when you are old and gray, and they'll be happy to grow older with you!"

23
Text your spouse to remind them how much you love them.

asian woman texting on smartphone
Shutterstock/AnemStyle

Texting shouldn't be the preferred method of communication in any relationship. However, when it comes to your marriage, it pays to send sweet nothings via SMS every now and again. In fact, a 2013 study published in the Journal of Couples & Relationship Therapy showed that texting affectionate messages was positively associated with relationship satisfaction.

24
Take responsibility for your actions.

couple talking to each other on the couch
iStock

Mood swings and angry outbursts happen to the best of us. However, what differentiates a good spouse from a bad one is owning up to those not-so-great days and learning from them.

"If you have a bad day, don't blame it on your partner, your boss, or traffic. Remember that your moods and feelings are your responsibility," says Scott-Hudson. "In healthy marriages, each partner owns their own feelings, behaviors, and moods. They don't blame anyone else for their own bad moods—they take ownership instead."

25
Argue to resolve rather than to win.

older couple talking about dealbreakers
iStock

"One thing that can stop a fight in its tracks is to remember that you are on the same team," says Scott-Hudson. "Don't go for the low blow or say the inflammatory thing that will only further serve to upset and hurt your partner. You love them. You are a team. Act like it. Think, 'What would resolve this as a win for both of us?'"

26
Never judge your spouse.

A senior man rolls his eyes, frustrated, as his partner gestures at him angrily.
iStock

Your spouse fully expects any conversation they have with you, their partner, to be judgement-free. When your significant other comes to you for advice or even just for a venting session, it's vital that you listen to them not just attentively, but also openly. "Communication involves being empathetic, nonjudgmental, and selfless when your partner needs your help," says Tiffany C. Brown, PsyD, owner of mental health clinic Family First Counseling.

27
Learn how to actually apologize.

Interracial couple holding hands during an apology
Shutterstock

If you want your marriage to last, then you need to learn how to apologize and actually mean it. "An apology signifies that you have insight into your behaviors and that you see your role in the situation," says Brown. And make sure that it's not always you or always your spouse having to say sorry. "If one partner is always the person apologizing, this is an imbalance in the relationship and will lead to problems in the marriage," she explains.

28
Don't be afraid of counseling.

older white couple at couples therapy
iStock

Marriage counselors are only there to help you and your relationship. So going to therapy hardly makes you a failure. In fact, one 2010 study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology found that marriage counseling can help even the most distressed of couples, so long as both you and your spouse are willing to change and improve.

29
Take up new and exciting hobbies together.

Gay Male Couple Walking and Hiking Through Fall Woodland Together
iStock

You and your spouse don't have to have everything in common in order to make your marriage work. As your relationship progresses, though, Janet and Steven Hall, authors of 15 Rules for a Loving, Lasting, and Satisfying Relationship, suggest taking up new activities with your spouse so that the two of you have something to bond over.

"It's those new interests and new experiences—discovered while on a vacation, for instance—that help to add a spark to a relationship," they explain. "In those experiences, a couple may rediscover why they fell in love in the first place and, more importantly, learn how to have fun together."

30
And spend some quality time apart, too.

Friends Talking Closely Body Language That Kills First Impressions
Shutterstock

If you want your marriage to be successful, you have to understand the need for time apart. According to a 2004 study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family, having hobbies and friends outside of one's marriage is key to having high satisfaction inside the marriage as well.

31
Maintain good relationships with your friends.

two old friends reconnecting in a coffee shop
iStock

Your spouse might be your best friend, but that doesn't mean that they should be your only friend. On the contrary, one 2017 study from the University of Texas at Austin found that spouses who had strong support systems were better able to distract themselves when their marriages became too stressful. In other words, your other close friendships could translate into less serious fights with your spouse!

32
And also befriend other couples together.

older couple on a double date, better wife after 40
Shutterstock

Having friendships with other couples isn't just good for date night. According to research out of the University of Maryland School of Social Work, couples who actively seek out friendships with other couples tend to be happier and more closely connected.

33
Perform routine relationship evaluations.

couple holding hands
Shutterstock

"Take time to zoom out of the relationship together and inquire into questions like, 'How is the relationship doing?' 'Where have we been struggling?' 'What has been good?' 'What do we desire?' 'How can we support each other?'" suggests relationship coach Marie Anna Winter. Doing this strengthens the bond between you and your spouse and makes both of you more aware of what is and isn't working in your relationship.

34
Define the purpose of your relationship.

white women couple cuddling on the couch with a tv remote
Shutterstock

Speaking of questions, when you find yourself unsure in your marriage, Strah suggests asking yourself a particularly important one: "What is the purpose of my relationship?"

"This question can often help people clarify their needs, what they like and don't like about their relationship, what they would like more of, and most importantly, how they can be more supportive of their partner," he explains. "I believe this is a foundational approach to relationships—like a mission statement."

35
Learn how to compromise.

Couple talking sitting on floor man being vulnerable woman being supportive
Shutterstock

You want to watch The Bachelor. He wants to watch hockey. They're both on at the same time. You could argue about it until both programs are over, or you could learn how to compromise like every good couple does. "Accept that you won't get everything on your list of wants and needs and desires," says Strah. "You need to do some things you might not want to for the good of the relationship."

36
Pet a puppy.

Couple petting puppy
Shutterstock

Looking for a Sunday outing idea? Hit the dog park—even if you don't have a pup of your own. A 2017 Florida State University study found that marriage quality improved when couples were conditioned to associate their spouse with cute animal photos.

37
Focus on the quality of intimacy you share with your spouse.

Best marriage tips for an everlasting relationship
Shutterstock

It's quality over quantity when it comes to sex. That's according to a 2016 study in the Archives of Sexual Behavior that looked at marital satisfaction and found that frequency of sex was not as important as the quality of it.

38
Do research on how to spice things up in the bedroom.

barefoot woman walking into bedroom
Shutterstock

Don't be afraid to do your research when it comes to sex. Even an old dog can learn new tricks. According to a 2016 Chapman University study, sexually satisfied couples read sex advice online or in magazines—and then give it a whirl.

39
Work on wording things more gently and productively.

couple discussion
Shutterstock

Imagine coming home from work to a sink full of dishes. Now, instead of yelling at your spouse for not cleaning up, talk to them productively about your frustration. "I have found softer language to be one of the biggest game changers in successful marriages," says California-based therapist Jacob Kountz. "It gets the same message across but in a softer tone."

40
Learn your spouse's love language.

Couple cuddling and cozying up outside
Shutterstock

Everybody has a different love language. And in a marriage, part of being a good spouse is understanding your partner's unique one: gifts, quality time, words of affirmation, acts of service, or physical touch. "You might like physical touch and they may like quality time. Get to know your language so you can tell them what you enjoy and vice versa," explains Kountz.

41
Designate separate bathrooms for you and your spouse if possible.

Older man brushes teeth in mirror, things damaging teeth
Shutterstock

If finances and space allow for it, then you and your spouse should use separate bathrooms. Paige Arnof-Fenn has been happily married for nearly three decades, and she told Best Life she attributes her success to this very trick. "I always say the secret to a happy marriage is separate bathrooms!"

42
Take the passion out of money fights.

Best marriage tips for an everlasting relationship
Shutterstock

No matter your income levels or assets, it's important to consult a third party financial planner or counselor who can help you work on common goals, settle disagreements, and take the emotion out of the often highly charged issue that is money. One 2018 survey from Ramsey Solutions found that money fights are the second leading cause of divorce after infidelity, so having someone to help you through your financial woes could just save your marriage.

43
Remember to thank your spouse, even for the little things.

Wife hugging her husband from behind and showing her gratitude for his cooking
Shutterstock

Sure, you say "thanks" for the big things—a gift, date night, or bouquet of roses, for example. But what about all those little things your spouse does to make your life easier and better? If you aren't expressing your gratitude for these things already, you might want to start. According to a 2015 study from the University of Georgia, the greatest predictor of marital quality is the ability to express gratitude.

44
Give your spouse your undivided attention.

woman having coffee and looking bored on outdoor date, worst things about the suburbs
Shutterstock/Shift Drive

"When your spouse is communicating with you, immediately stop multi-tasking," suggests Bracha Goetz, author of Searching for God in the Garbage. "Your spouse will instantly feel valued, and the rest of your married life can become like your first exciting date together."

45
Support your spouse's dreams.

couple sitting in a park at sunset in one of the best us cities for retirement
Shutterstock

Does your spouse dream of getting their master's degree? Do they hope one day to earn their pilot's license? Whatever their goal may be, your job as a loving spouse is to support them as they work toward achieving it. Similarly, you should talk openly and honestly about your vision for the future, so your partner can support you in any and every way.

46
Ask for support when you need it.

white man putting his arm around other white man while they drink beers
iStock

It's unfair to assume that your spouse is a mindreader and always knows when you're in need of emotional support. By telling your partner that you need help, you are making your needs known and putting the ball in their court. Research from the University of Iowa published in 2008 even found that when wives were open and honest about their needs, they were happier in their marriages.

47
And don't give out unsolicited advice to your spouse.

couple fighting and arguing, prepare children for divorce
Shutterstock

Yes, there is such a thing as being too supportive. In the same University of Iowa study, researchers found that too much informational support—typically in the form of unsolicited advice—can harm a marriage.

48
Be empathetic.

sad woman with guy comforting her
Shutterstock

"Empathy is the secret sauce, the key ingredient to a genuinely happy marriage," marriage counselor Lisa Marie Bobby, LMFT, BCC, writes on her website. "When couples have empathy for each other, they understand why all the other stuff is important and they feel motivated to do the things that will help their relationship feel better for both of them."

49
And never bring up the threat of divorce unless you mean it.

Muslim woman and man arguing
iStock

The dreaded D word is the last thing any married person wants to hear their spouse say. Unless you're serious about getting a divorce, don't even bring it up as a possibility. Threatening divorce is not a way to scare your spouse into couples' therapy, and it's not a healthy way to fix any other problems you may be having.

50
Press the "reset" button every morning.

Happy black couple cuddling in bed
mavo / Shutterstock

Leave the past in the past and let every day be a clean slate between you and your spouse. Even if your spouse said something mean or did something aggravating, "try to forgive your partner for the slights of yesterday," says licensed marriage and family therapist Caroline Madden, PhD. "Start each morning fresh. Accept that we all have bad days where we aren't the loving partners we ideally would like to be."