50 Proven Tips for Making Your Marriage Last

I discovered something yesterday. Well, really I rediscovered it.

Our members give fantastic marriage advice!

Yesterday, in our Facebook community, I posed two simple questions: Have you been married more than 10 years? If so, will you share something here to encourage those newer to marriage?

Within hours, more than 600 people responded. Women seasoned in marriage shared their perspectives, tips, advice and encouraged those in their first 10 years of marriage.

Those in the early years of their union reciprocated overwhelmingly with gratitude to the women who had just fanned their flames of hope.

It was a beautiful exchange to be sure.

While reading through them, I found myself pumping my fist in the air like I was at a ball game yelling, “Yes! Yes! Yes!”

I knew almost immediately, those encouragements needed to also be shared here, with you.

And although the below advice isn’t any better than the hundreds of others on our community page (I certainly wouldn’t attempt to rank them), I could only post a few here so I hope you’ll click the link at the bottom to see the rest.

Without further ado, here are 50 proven tips for making your marriage last :

1. Celebrated 26 years this past May. Married my high school sweetheart. The lessons are in the journey. Grace, forgiveness, tenacity, love, faith, honesty, compassion and the flat refusal to ever give up on each other or your marriage. My husband brings me a bouquet of flowers on the first of each month, to start our month right (his words). It is a simple gesture that I look forward to as do our daughters. Love is in the simple, small gestures each day. Grateful to be here in this part of our trek, as it gets better with the passing of the years; if you have cultivated and communicated….it grows to be stronger than steel and your respite from all else. -Julie Hernandez
    
2. I have been married 36 years, got married real young and still happy and in love. My advice is DON’T give up, work on your problems and talk to each other. -Sandra Baillargeon-Sheridan
    
3. Married 44 years. We married when we were 18 years old as my husband returned as a soldier from a tour of duty in the Vietnam war. The best way to have a good marriage is to Learn how to “JUST BE” together without the “expectation” that your partner is to entertain you when you are bored. Spouses who have a good sense of themselves and know how to be content by themselves and keep themselves busy are the happiest. They have the healthiest marriages BECAUSE they are not clingy, needy, so high maintenance..that they expect their partners to “MAKE” them happy..ONLY YOU CAN MAKE YOU HAPPY!!! -Judith Redman Kirk
    
4. I’ve been married for 25 years… I’ve learned to pick my battles and never go to bed angry, stay up till 4am if necessary talking things through….. Or just forgive and forget! Marriage is a commitment to that person that has been and will be the witness of your life! Cherish it because you never know how long you’ll have each other!! -LD Rocio Wagner
    
5. Married 21 years! My motto for our marriage is we are not perfect just perfect for each other. Be best friends. Never say the word divorce. Wake up everyday looking for something to thank him for. Tell him every chance you get how sexy you think he is. Never leave each other without saying I love you. Talk to each other don’t yell. Remember when the world is against you, he is for you. And enjoy the ride! -Michelle Hicks Kerwood
    
6. I got married at 18. They all said it wouldn’t last. In October, it will be 36 years!! My advice: Always go the extra mile, give more than you receive. -Susie Ruhl
    
7. We’ve been married 35 yrs. Always let each other know how important you are to each other. We never part without a kiss and we value all of our time together. Let him know that he is your best friend and talk, talk and talk….men are not psychic. Is it easy? Not always. Is it worth it? You betcha! -Dovie Punneo
    
8. Don’t give up when you hit a bump. Work it through. Too many people throw away a perfectly good relationship because, in a moment of anger or even boredom, they think they don’t love each other any more. It’s seldom that bad! Keep going. (21 years and just getting started) -Jacquie Bate
    
9. Any marriage is one toxic friendship away from falling apart. Closely guard who you allow into your lives. -Anna Smith Bankston
    
10. My husband and I have been married 37 years, He is my best friend. We have one thing in common “divorce is not an option.” Life is what you make it. -Debra Finlay Smith
     
11. Embrace the downs. That sounds negative but it isn’t. Although there will be plenty of ups there will be plenty of downs. Hold hands and be determined to walk through them together, never losing sight that you are each other’s. It’s easier to stand the buffeting winds with each other. The other side of the down times are much sweeter because of that. I’m saying that just shy of 27 years. -La Turgeon
     
12. Married 26 years…never be too proud to admit when you’re wrong! We NEVER go to bed angry. -Shelly Golden
     
13. Twenty-one happy years of marriage has taught me that you should never sweat the little stuff. Let it go. Pick your battles so carefully that you almost never fight. Be happy every single day…you have found the love of your life! -Cheryl Hurley Kizner
     
14. Never try to change each other. Been married 23 years after a 3 month whirlwind courtship. He was 18 and I was 24. If you think you stay the same, think again. Accept each other and embrace the differences. Realize you will have problems but don’t be a part of this throwaway society. And yes, the honeymoon phase does end but the love changes into something more intense. Love is grand. -Melissa Adele Haggai
     
15. Hubs and I have been together for nearly 21 years and married for 15 of them. First secret is to think carefully about your value to your spouse; always assume that his intention is for whatever is in your best interest even if the intent somehow gets lost in the translation of his actions. 9 times out of 10, there is a misunderstanding that needs to be clarified rather than to assume that he’s too lazy, attempting to manipulate you, etc. Try first to understand his logic behind the choices he makes before going on the defensive. -Mindy Chemacki
     
16. Married 42 years today for us. One thing I finally learned and still working on is that I can’t change my hubby to my way of thinking. Nor should I expect him to think like me. I married him because he was totally opposite. Pray for your hubby and God will do what needs to be one either in him or you. Still the love of my life after all these years! -Linda Orosco
     
17. Married 16 years. Together almost 28 years. Remind yourself when you’re angry with your spouse, “My life will always be better with you than without you.” -Aimee Foster
     
18. I have been married 32 years. My advice is to always respect each other, even when you don’t agree -and believe me there will be plenty of times when you don’t!- accept each others differences, your strengths and weaknesses. Be supportive, Never Tear Each Other Down! The biggest thing is DON”T give up. There can be weeks, months and sometimes even years that aren’t the way you thought they would be. In the end, its about creating a place where each of you can be yourself, have the freedom to explore new things, and know that you are always safe and loved. Marriage is the most beautiful thing in the world, the greatest relationship anyone can ever hope to be blessed with! -Brenda Stantz
     
19. Was married 36 1/2 years…Make life about your mate..Laugh at your own mistakes…ask for forgiveness when need..never scream at each other..pray together daily an enjoy time with out being in each others pockets..No name calling other than complimented on beauty..always always give thanks for even the smallest they do for you..Saying I love you when you think it ….Life can snatch your love one away….but hold what you had in speaking your memories. -Shelly Homan Billington
     
20. I have been married for 23 years met my husband when I was 15. We’ve been together for 26 years. Best advice I can give anyone is pick your battles. Some fights aren’t even worth the discussion. P.S. And we never let anything get in our way.. (Money, family) we plan together.. And dream together! -Cara Williams Garcia
     
21. Marriage is not a 50%-50% give and take. It is 100%-100%…there are always days and times that each have nothing to give..the other one must then give 100% to make up the difference. Married 42 years and still in love. -Kathleen Somers
     
22. Married for 21 years been together for 27 years.. 6 great kids! I think what makes our marriage successful is that we are absolutely the best of friends.. We want to be around each other all the time.. We want to tell each other everything! We laugh together and hold each other up during the not so nice times. We respect each other and have understanding for each other. We hardly fight and when we do we are not afraid to say sorry. We try and do little things to show we still love each other. -Catharine Schneider-Parsons
     
23. On September 9th, we will celebrate 41 wonderful years. My advice, laugh together, play together and always, always talk things out! -Nikki Ada Slodysko
     
24. Married 36 years. We got married when I was 16 and he was 18. We have had great times, good times and bad times. Through it all, we have been there for each other. Tell each other daily that you love each other. Hold hands, listen to the other person….pray for your spouse daily. And most of all do date night each week. Doing things together when life is so busy help build a strong bond. Lastly, remember in sickness and health, let your love for each other shine through. God has blessed this union he will keep it strong. -Myrna Hernandez
     
25. A wife who sees her husband as one of the children has lost her perspective. Always try to see the man in your man if you want him to be your man. -Vickie Anders
     
26. Rolling down on 20 years. Accept that each of you are not perfect. Have an “our” thing…ours is going for long drives with no destination. -Denise Cox Lehosky
     
27. Married 17 years as of 8/24/2013. The most important thing is communication. We talk to each other about everything good or bad there are no secrets between us. If you can talk to each other about everything, then loving, respecting and caring for each other comes real easy. -Norma Proctor
     
28. Married 44 years last August 9th. Understand that there will be times when you may not like your husband but love him always. -Margarita Cordero
     
29. Been married 41 years. Still my best friend and soul mate. Never go to bed angry. Always treat your spouse as you want to be treated. Remember the grass is rarely greener on the other side of the fence. It it always easier to give up and leave. NOT!!! -Debi Newby
     
30. It’s 20 years for us! Don’t walk away, don’t give up, keep going, walking away isn’t an option! Don’t hold grudges, don’t be bitter. Talk things through, be open to change, be best friends, support each other, work together. Make time as a couple, date nights, weekend getaways…time alone is crucial. -Melody Malone James
     
31. Married 29 years and the answer for us is God, good communication (we talk about everything), and taking the word divorce completely off the table. Don’t give up when it gets tough, give grace and be quick to forgive. Always make the other a priority, don’t become complacent and take the other for granted. Keep the romance alive! -Cynthia Henderson
     
32. Been married for 22 years. No matter how angry you are don’t call your spouse bad names. They can break the good relationship you have. -Ruth Kinyanjui
     
33. Married 22 years….Always ask yourself how any action you take will affect your spouse….making sure that your spouse has committed to doing the same. Never assume that you know why the other just said something that hurt or angered you….make sure you ask directly what they meant by the words before you respond in anger or tears. You have to set your standards just as the spouse does on how you ARE to be treated…the rest is compromise and cuddling. -Rhonda Marshall Hudson
     
34. As a wife of nearly 23 years, I can honestly say that our marriage grows stronger, richer, and more satisfying each year because we constantly continue to work on it. We take time each day to talk. We date and romance one another. We are each other’s best friend. We keep God at the center of our marriage. We treat each other with kindness and respect. Happily Ever After does exist, you just have to work alongside your Prince Charming to make it happen. Good luck. It is well worth the effort-always. One last thing-love is an action, not just a feeling. Continue to love, even if you don’t feel “in love”. Those feelings will return if you just keep loving anyway! -Stephanie Scevers
     
35. Be Best Friends. Have mutual respect and any Good Marriage takes two good Forgivers. Married 21 years and I Love Him more every day. -Mona Whorton
     
36. I have been married for nearly 40 years. We will renew our wedding vows next March which I can’t wait for. We have been together for 45 years; dating for 5 years before we got married. Our marriage vows are sacred to us only death will part us! -Bonnie Elske
     
37. I’ve been married 23 years and feel it’s important to keep falling in love with your spouse. Don’t let the romance die. -Wendy Neff Tonga
     
38. Been married 24 years and happier than ever! Remember that God made men and women different for different purposes. He doesn’t think l like you do, and you don’t think like he does. Understand that concept and be patient during your differences. And always be ready to forgive as you would want to be forgiven. -Gayle Dodic Bogs
     
39. Married almost 27 years. The best advice comes from my father and this is to never stop dating. As usual, father knows best! -Karen Zappavigna Hoogland
     
40. 33 years married. Live, laugh and love. My husband is my best friend. We enjoy each other’s company so much and never forget to go out on dates. We give compliments to one another and never go to sleep angry. Marriage is a long journey so we ride on it happily and relaxed. I’m praying that we will grow old together…I love my man. -Susan Barrientos- Baldoz
     
41. It’s a full time job and it was worth it for me…I am married 25 years today. Three words to remember: Respect, Communication, Fidelity…it all starts there. -Linda Valerio Hayes
     
42. Been married 30 years: Treat each other the way you want to be treated. -Deanna Johnson
     
43. I’ve been married 38 years. We also run a family business together. My advice is: Learn to “let it go.” It’s going to be okay…even if you don’t get your way. Put it in perspective and realize there are others in the world that would love to trade for what you don’t even want. -Julie Golden Gross
     
44. I have been married 40 years this weekend. My advice is to be best friends, talk things over and don’t walk away at the first sign of trouble. Marriage should be for life. -Gillian Woolston
     
45. Talk to each other often. Spend time together & apart. Be truthful to each other. Keep the faith! Married 27 years! We just spent 26 days in an RV just us & we loved it! -Catherine Murry Matteucci
     
46. I am married 33 years and love my husband more with each passing day. The key is communication! He is my best friend. We are happiest when we are together. My happy place is with my husband. Best wishes to everyone. I also married when I was young and my husband is 10 years older than me. I can honestly say that I would marry the same man at the same age. I would change nothing! Oh I would also say, never take each other for granted. Always say thanks for the small things. Work on your marriage every day and again I say communicate! -Katie White
     
47. Almost 21 years for us. Commit to the statement: if its broken; fix it…don’t throw it away!! -Marcia Heflin Fleming
     
48. Married 27 years; together 32. You must be partners. Marriage is two contributions; never one taking. Always kiss goodnight and never argue over anything; it’s a waste of precious time. Compromise and understand you are different, that’s why you compliment one another. Laugh often. Share everything, even if you think the other won’t understand or it will hurt. Love is strength. -Sherry Beckwith
     
49. Been married almost 23 yrs (2 more weeks to our anniversary!). I think the best advice I have is “attitude.” Go into the marriage with the attitude that you WILL be together forever. WORK THINGS OUT with that goal in mind. If you keep the idea that “well, if this doesn’t work, I can just move on” then you don’t have the motivation to make things work. -Theresa McClure
     
50. It will be 21 yrs in January! Stick through the bad times. Be open and honest. Always try to make them feel special and tell them you love them all of the time. Have fun together! Encourage when they are down and rejoice in their happiness! Unconditional love! -Stacey Brown Treadwell
     

There are hundreds more on our community page so if you want more, definitely click on this direct link to the responses from those happily married for 10, 20, 30 and even 40-plus years. Oh, how I love this club.

QUESTION: What piece of advice here resonated most with you?

Until tomorrow…make it a great day!

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THE BOOK: It’s been described as, “Like Eat, Pray, Love but not down on marriage.” Make sure to check out the Happy Wives Club book.  I had the great honor of traveling to 12 countries on 6 continents, interviewing couples happily married 25 years or more, with 1 mission only: to find out what makes marriages happy…and keeps them that way.  It’s a marriage book line none other.