Why do couples feel that it is in there best interest to cut and run on a relationship or marriage when the going gets tough? It is possible to have a happy marriage if you are willing to spend the time and energy making sure that your spouse is happy and listening to your spouse when they are not happy. Many couples out there would rather quit on the marriage or relationship without putting up a fight for what they truly want. We all want a happy marriage. But we all need to work at keeping the marriage healthy.

Here are some tips that will help you keep your marriage happy.

1) Set up a communications time. My wife and I try to make sure that we set aside time every night to make sure we have some alone time to talk about the days events. Having 5 kids makes it difficult for use to get any alone time, and we use this time to make sure that we are on the same page. We each get 15 minutes for one of us to be the talker and the other to be the listener. Then we switch rolls when the 15 minutes is up. We work on both our communication and listening skills at this time.

2) Be compassionate about your spouses needs. I understand that there may be certain things that I will not be able to do to meet my wife's needs in the area of income, or the 2 story house. But I do let her know that I understand her need for us to live comfortably. Just by being compassionate, she understands that I have the same desires that she has. The key is that we are talking.

3) Continue to date. Just because you have tied the knot does not mean that the dating process has stopped. Get out of the house away from the little ones and get to know each other over lunch or dinner. Catch a movie, or go to a concert. Make sure that you switch off on who is picking the events, to make sure that you are both having the opportunity to do what you want.

Having a happy marriage is about communication, listening and the desire to be with your spouse over the next 50 or so years. Following these three simple tips will help you to keep your marriage or relationship fresh.