Some fundamental marriage advise

I recently celebrated my second year of marriage with Sharon. I have eight years with Red for a total of 10 years marriage experience. During this time I have learned a little about women, a lot about me and developed a reserve of marriage advise for young, uninterested couples or plurals.

Were I asked to give sage advise at a reception dinner toast, I would give the following...

Get a book keeper! - Finances are the number one source of friction in a marriage. There are several benefits to having a book keeper. A budget gets made and everyone tends to stick to it. The bills get paid on time and you don't have to lick the stamps and envelopes. When there has to be money talk, it tends to be much more civil and problem resolution oriented with a third party involved.

Don't let your expectations exceed your appreciation - Love each other for the little things and the great victories. Celebrate each other's accomplishments and efforts and they will only want to accomplish more for you. Every man wants to be the Knight in Shining Armor for his Lady and every woman wants to be the Lady Fair worth fighting dragons for. Praise in public and often, censure in private and very, very little. This principle is enormously powerful in maintaining a vibrant, loving and passionate relationships.

Go on a date weekly - remember why you fell in love each week.