Today is my 24th Anniversary.  I fell madly in love with the man who would be my husband 27 years ago and our love has grown everyday since.  I couldn’t ask for a more amazing husband or father to our two daughters.  We have made it through difficult times that would have likely been too stressful for most marriages to bear but we are closer than ever.  Hopefully these tips can help you to have a wonderful relationship also or improve the one you already have.

24 Things I’ve Learned About Being in a Healthy Relationship

You can depend on each other

You don’t always tell each other the truth but you can always trust each other.  There are times when you need to protect the other person.

You are honest about your own issues and take care of them when you need to.

You make the relationship a top priority

You compliment each other daily, more than once

You say I love you all the time

You take time to do little things to show you care

You show appreciation for the other person and what they do for you

There are times when you put the other person’s needs before yours, knowing they would never want you to.

You listen to each other even if you don’t understand

You give each other space

You support their career, creative pursuits and dreams

You support each other financially.  It often isn’t even and that is okay.

You work together to solve problems

You compromise and sacrifice for each other

You each give 100% to the relationship

You take care of each other during difficult times and easy times

You are kind to each other and think before you speak.  Words can’t be unsaid.

You don’t yell or fight in front of your kids.

You do things the other person likes even if it isn’t your favorite thing to do sometimes

You make time to hang out together

You don’t have to listen to the same music or like the same food

You don’t always have to say what is on your mind

The rewards you receive are worth the effort you put into it