1. Love Comes First: Physical love is good, but there has to be genuine
spiritual love also in your heart. Your immediate neighbor is your own spouse.
So let charity begin at home and set an example by loving your spouse first
and foremost. Follow the scripture: "Love thy neighbor as thyself".
2. Narrow the Gulf: Whether it is a love marriage, arranged marriage
or forced marriage, differences are bound to arise. Both of you come from different
backgrounds, upbringings and environments. You must be ready to overlook the
sharp differences, lapses or shortcomings.
3. Forgive & Forget: Remember, to forgive is divine, and keep doing
it, even if you have to repeat this process for infinite times.
4. Begin the Day Cool: Early in the morning, both spouses should try
to remain calm and cool. No discussions or arguments in the early morning hours.
5. Silence Can Save: When you leave home for work in the morning, be
at your best behavior. If one of you is provoked or complains, silence is the
best answer. Conversely, you can say, "We will discuss it in the evening".
6. Inquire & Appreciate: After you return home, enquire and take
interest in one another's activity during the day: "How was your day?"
You must show your genuine appreciation and sympathy. Top it with a pleasant
smile.
7. Listen & Sympathize: Do listen to your spouse attentively and
sympathetically. Never ignore. Even at your place of work, if you get a telephone
call from your partner, be polite and courteous, in spite of your busy schedule.
8. Don't Forget to Compliment: Make use of "Thank you", "Well
done", "You have done a good job", and "I am sorry",
as frequently as is necessary. Be generous in your praise and compliments.
9. Don't Compare: Do not enter into comparisons. No one is 100% perfect
or 100% imperfect. We all have flaws and shortcomings. Always look at the good
qualities of your spouse.
10. Keep Smiling: Be cheerful and smile away your problems. Give a smile
as often as you can. Only a human person is endowed with this blessing. Animals
do not have this rare faculty. Did you know you use only 20 muscles for a smile
but 70 muscles for a frown? So, keep smiling!
