Rules for a Happy Marriage

I had read this poster somewhere some time back and really liked it. And just becoz I liked it, It made so much sense to put it up here too! :P
Thanks to Google, I got the exact one that I had read.

But putting up something which is already out there on a blog is boring right? Will look like a copy/paste I did. So here's the twist. After the list stated below, I'll put down my Rules of a Happy Marriage too. That makes it interesting for me too. Makes me wanna know how many are in common with the ones found common everywhere.

Here goes the common list:

1. Never both be angry at the same tme.
2. Never yell at each other except of the house is on fire!
3. If one of you has to win an arguement, let it be your mate.
4. If you have to critisize, do it lovingly.
5. Never bring up mistakes of the past.
6. Neglect the whole world, rather than each other.
7. Never go to sleep with an arguement unsettled
8. Atleast once everyday try to say something kind or complimentary thing to your partner.
9. When you have done something wrong , be ready to admit it and ask for forgiveness.
10. It takes two to make a quarrel and the one in the wrong is the one who does the most talking. 

Now here's My list. Its again a list of nine as usual!
 Firstly, I sincerely believe that one should enter Marriage only when one is sure of a strong like for the to-be-partner. It is much easier to build the bond on, if the liking is already established. So I'm not even going to put that point of having a liking as a rule here. It is a default in my rules.
Considering that established, I'd go with the rest of my list in no particular order.

1.  Don't take each other for granted. For this, Atleast once a day, try spending half an hour with your spouse. Not between TV commercials.. or in calls; but a proper "S/He" time.
2. Respect forms a big part of the relation.. Respect each other, each other's immediate families and closest friends. This also means, Never belittle the other in front of your peers/friends/colleagues/family.
3. Never quarrel in front of kids. Doing that will definitely be a problem for the future. Blame game is the biggest rues for a Marriage. Most of the time, Kids make a family complete and if the kids are to witness unpleasantness; rest assured the future isin't bright for the Family.
4. Never be angry at the same time. Yea, I totally agree with this. If one is blowing his/her lid, the other should immediately calm down .. else move away. Both bringing the house down will only make matters worse.
5. Plan your kids! I mean the number! This statement may sound weird to some.. but its equally weird when I hear - it was an accident! And yes,  I have heard this atleast a couple of times...! I mean This accident is going to be an integral part of your life which can change the relation dynamics between the couple. So, Please - Plan!
6. Chalk the important lines. Defining and being aware of each other's personal choices always helps. In being mindful when to draw the line in giving out opinions or even to bind stronger by sharing things what the other likes.
7. Give each other space: By doing this, you simply are giving enough room for your partner to miss you and think of you; as well as time for you to do your own thing too. After all both would probably have an independent social life! [I'd wish even a homemaker to have a social life..!] Being in each other's hair all the time could be SO stifling after a while.
8. Travel : Breaking the rut to discover a new place, with just the two or the family definitely acts as a cementing factor. It also rejuvinates the marital bond.
9. Forgive! : People are different and your spouse is part of the 'people'. Expecting him/her to be attuned to you in each way is asking for a bit too much. There would be clashes.. but Forgiving and not holding each other for the clash makes it a truly loving relation.

There it went! That was my list of most important things... what would be yours? :)