Secret to a long and happy marriage!

What Women Want

1) Telling Her Daily That She is Loved

Everyone needs to be affirmed. Everyone needs to know they are loved. The best ways to say "I love you" are usually in simple, everyday, seemingly unimportant ways like an unexpected hug or holding hands when you walk together.

2) Understanding and Forgiveness

There will be days when your wife will make mistakes or when she will be difficult to be around. No one is perfect. She both wants and deserves your willingness to understand and forgive her. Remember that no relationship can be sustained without forgiveness.

3) Conversation

Don´t let your conversations with your wife dwindle to nothing but talk about your kids, your jobs, and the weather. If that happens, your marriage relationship could be in real trouble.

4) Willingness to Make Time for Her and Your Children

Having quality time with your wife and kids isn´t something that just happens. You have to make it happen by not only making the plans but by following through. Time with those you love has to be a high priority for you.

5) Saying "Yes" More Than Saying "No"

Habitual negative responses to your wife and kids can push them away from you. Think twice before saying "no" and you will be surprised at how saying "yes" can improve your relationships.

6) Listening Well

It´s really disheartening for a wife to share her thoughts and feelings with her mate and then realize that he didn´t actually listen to her. Your wife wants and needs you to not only listen with your ears, but to listen with your heart.

7) Affection and Kindness

How often do you say "please" or "thank you" or give your spouse an unexpected kiss? Unfortunately, some married couples forget that being kind and affectionate to one another are keys to a successful marriage.

8) Sharing Household and Child Rearing Responsibilities.

One of the main reasons couples fight is conflict over who is doing what around the house. Chores and child care are not the sole responsibility of your wife. She shouldn´t have to ask you to do your share around the house.

9) A Day Off Now and Then

Give your wife a day off several times a month. This means that she will be free from worrying about what is happening with the kids, the house, the pets, and you. She not only deserves this break in her schedule, she needs it to be emotionally and physically healthy.

10) Commitment to Take Care of Yourself Both Physically and Emotionally

Many men are notorious for not taking care of themselves when it comes to health issues. This isn´t fair to your wife. She is your lover not your mother. Take responsibility for your own health concerns.

What Men Want

1) Believe in His Capabilities

Many men believe it is important for them to protect and provide for those they love. Let him know that you believe in his talents and skills and are supportive of him.

2) Understanding

One of the ways you can both tell and show your husband that you want to understand him is by making a commitment to daily dialogue with him. Daily dialogue only takes 20 minutes out of your day. Isn´t your husband worth 20 minutes each day?

3) Affirmation of His Accomplishments

Most guys like to be patted on the back. Compliment your husband often. Just don´t over do it with sicky sweet oozes of how great he is. That type of affirmation will backfire.

4) Acceptance

Many husbands are hurt and angered when their wives try to change them. Realize that the only person that you can change is yourself.

5) Less Chatter

If your husband is tired, or involved with a project, and you really need to talk to him about something, get to the point. If he needs the details of the topic, he´ll ask for them.

6) Affection

Hold your husband´s hand in public, leave a message of love on his voice mail, massage his shoulders, give him an unexpected kiss. Men like to be romanced too!

7) Respect

Show respect for your husband by not making negative comments about his thoughts and opinions, by being considerate of his plans, and by avoiding the "eye roll" when listening to him.

8) Free Time

Most everyone needs some quiet time alone, and time to re-energize, regroup, and reconnect. When your husband first gets home from work, allow him some free time to unwind if he thinks he needs it. Don´t over-schedule his days off with projects around the house.

9) Trust

Trust is vital in the success of a marriage. If you are having doubts about your husband and find it difficult to trust him, seek counseling and not spying.

10) To Be a Companion

Hopefully, you can say that your husband is not only your lover, but also your friend. Staying friends and companions through the years requires that you find ways to make time together and to do things together.