UNTIL DEATH DO US PART

Couples who manage to keep the fire burning for years and years amaze me. My brother and his girlfriend have been together for almost 5 years, I guess. Or did I lost count already? HAHA! They're my second favorite couple. My parents top the notch, of course.

UNTIL DEATH DO US PART

-> I saw this online. I don't think I can write about this with no experiences to back me up HAHA!

So, how do you keep the music playing? What are some of the little things you can start doing to keep thoughtfulness and romance alive in your marriage? Well, here's a list of suggestions to get you started - sometimes, all it takes is small changes to make huge differences in our relationships.

. Always say please and thank you
Many couples forget this basic courtesy, thinking they can do away with politeness or that their spouse should know they're grateful. Everyone needs to feel loved and appreciated.

. Communicate
This is probably one of the most important aspects of a good marriage. Set daily time aside to have meaningful conversation with each other. Develop and keep the channels open at all times, by talking about your day, your feelings, even interests, hobbies or sports. As you are able to share views and opinions about unimportant things, it becomes easy enough to talk openly about more significant matters. Make sure it's a conversation, though, not one-sided chatter!

. Edit yourself
Careless words, once spoken, can deeply crush your spouse's spirit and cause permanent damage. Couples who avoid saying every angry thought that comes to mind are consistently happier. Garbage should be thrown out - not delivered to a loved one.

. Set high conduct standards
Refuse to accept hurtful behaviour from one another. The most successful marriages are those which have committed at the very start of the relationship to keep a low-tolerance level for bad behaviour. This includes yelling, abusive language, physical violence or temper tantrums.

. Show respect and politeness
Many simple disagreements escalate into raging rows because of the tone or manner used. Avoid critical or confrontational remarks. Ask yourself, 'Do I treat my spouse as the most special person in the world or am I more polite to my neighbours?'.

. Graciously accept apologies
When a sincere apology is offered, be gracious in accepting it. Don't get all prickly in the way you handle it, or minimise it by muttering under your breath or throwing reproachful looks at your spouse. Remember, we may allow bitterness and resentment to set in when we fail to fully forgive or accept a heartfelt apology.

. Focus on the positives
Leave behind negative words, thoughts or critical attitudes and look for opportunities to communicate praise to your spouse. In a happy marriage, couples need to make at least 5 times as many positive statements to, and about each other, as opposed to negative statements. Words of praise make your spouse feel valued, strengthened and loved. It also helps him or her understand what touches you.

. Honesty is the best policy
Often, people keep big secrets about themselves from their spouses because they're afraid of possible rejection if the truth is revealed. Honesty builds trust, so be willing to be open. Of course, exercise wisdom in how you speak the truth, as answering 'Yes' to your wife's question of 'Honey, do I look fat in this?' is simply asking for trouble!

. Take time to listen
Be a great listener, and encourage your partner to pour out his or her thoughts, especially when they're going through a tough time at work. Look into their eyes when they're talking, to assure them of your undivided attention.

. Date your mate
Make time for just the two of you at least once a week, even if it's just taking an evening walk around your neighbourhood together. One-on-one time is so precious these days! If you share the same faith, take time to seek God for wisdom in your daily life together.

• Always find time to laugh
Laughter is truly good medicine, and cultivating a sense of humor and the ability to laugh at
oneself goes a long way in dealing with tense situations. Learn how to make your spouse laugh when things get really down.

• Get creative
Never be afraid to try out new activities you can do together, whether it's dance lessons or ice-skating. This applies to your private moments together as well, and you can certainly spice things up in the bedroom with new love ideas that will keep you both happy!

Sharing the profoundest love ever - that's what marriage is all about! And it's much more fulfilling than the hormone-driven infatuation you started off with. Commit to it faithfully, and you'll be rewarded with a deep fulfilment as lasting love is set ablaze in your heart once more.

The Ten Commandments of Parenting. (From Miss Anna Cosio)

1. Love your spouse.
2. Love your spouse.
3. Love your spouse.
4. Love your spouse.
5. Love your spouse.
6. Love your spouse.
7. Love your spouse.
8. Love your spouse.
9. Love your spouse.
10. Love your children.

Emphasis on the first nine commandments, because, Father said, you two will be together "'til death do you part," but your children will leave you someday because they have no obligation whatsoever to stay with you. They will HAVE to go. The love between husbands and wives will also be the source of love of the children. Without it, the family's gonna be a disaster. And I think that's exactly what the world is lacking nowadays: True Love. No, contrary to popular belief, you don't find it. You "work" for it.