Success in a relationship can be accomplished.

Recently I was asked, “ How do you make a relationship or marriage work?” The answer is not as complicated as you might think.

The most simple answer, have rules and compromise. The rules, based on common sense shared by all may vary for each relationship. Some that work for my husband and our family are:

• Always be respectful, especially when angry. Disrespect breeds contempt and resentment.

• Don’t go to bed angry, agree to disagree – your physical health will be less affected when you are calm. Any decisions made in anger are poor ones.

• If sharing bank accounts, Never, make large purchases without your partners consent. • When major decisions are made and finalized, always back your partner even if you disagree.

• “Go ask your mother/father” should always be met with ”what did your mother/father say.”

• Education is important for EVERY household member. Those who know help those learning or needing help applies to daily life as well as schooling.

• Everyone living in the household contributes to the household.

• At least one meal a day must be shared as a family, where the days’ problems and successes are discussed.

• Live a life based in faith, remembering only God is perfect or know all.

• Always help someone else if you can. • Every day ends with the words “I love you.”

For our household these are the basics upon which we function. They are not set in stone, may not apply to every household, and may change at any time.