Marriage Tips

Over the years my dad has collected advice and counsel about marriage.  At least at one point in time, he printed it off and gave it as part of wedding presents.  Now, he's got it online for your enjoyment!

He begins:

I met my wife just after she submitted her mission papers. I gave her an engagement ring
before she left, and I waited for her while she served a mission to Argentina. While waiting, I had a lot of time to think on the subject of a happy marriage, and to make some plans. Toward the end of her mission, one of my favorite pass-times became asking people what tips they had for one who was about to embark upon the tides of matrimony (not only asking those with happy marriages, but also learning important lessons from those with unhappy marriages and unmarried people). The answers ranged from "don't do it" to any number of very valuable suggestions. I realized that in order to have a pleasant and lasting marriage, positive and deliberate plans needed to be made. I thought of the beautiful young woman I was about to marry and I didn't want to jeopardize a potentially great marriage by making the same mistakes so many others had made. . . .

And a sampling:

• Never be jealous of your spouse's accomplishments. Be pleased with them. Consider compliments to your spouse, a tribute to you -- that you were clever enough to attract such a person.  -- Gilbert Sharffs
• Each of us is responsible for our own happiness. We should not expect our spouse to make us happy. -- Ken Rice  
• If your wife asks you to do something, do it. She doesn't ask unless she really wants your help.  -- Reid E. Bankhead