In the movie “Notting Hill,” Julia Roberts reads an inscription on the bench and says “Some people do spend their lives together.” Some couples stayed together until they died, while some marriages did not survive. Is there a special formula to such success? If there weren’t any, there must be.

In the UK and the US, almost half of all marriages disintegrate sooner or later. There are a lot of insurmountable obstacles that the couples have to go through. While some survive, some end up in divorce or separation. The other half of marriages worked and survived despite the troubles all couples go through. There are so many sources that married couples can turn to, in order for their marriage to work. There are marriage counsellors, gurus, family, parents, and even the bible.

Here are some of the factors that contribute to a successful marriage:

Listening is an important part of communication and perhaps the most difficult to fulfill. Cultivating good communication resolves or even dissipates conflict. As with all conflicts, communication is vital. Research shows that, most couples end up dealing with more troubles because no one concedes to listen.

Empathy is another key ingredient to a happy marriage. Understanding your partner’s feelings, thoughts, wants, and prerogatives leads to a peaceful family life. Many couples discuss everything in advance about matters of great importance in their lives. If a conflict ensues, calmly and lovingly talk to each other with understanding and a positive attitude.

It is said that it takes two to tangle. This adage is adaptable and applicable to marriages. Some marriages do not last because the commitment to each other means nothing more than a ceremony at the wedding. Husband and wife should always commit to the relationship and must protect it. How?

Love and respect can mutually reinforce the bond between man and wife. As the Good Book says; love does not seek its own interest, it is not boastful, does not keep a record of injuries… if the couple has love and respect, things are always light, easy, and conflicts are resolved without hurting each other’s feelings.

Lastly, do things together as one. Go to the movies, cook, and pick up a hobby, play games, complement each other, picnic, or go to a vacation once a year on you anniversary. Always make sure to find time for you and your partner, alone, in order to rekindle the love and reminisce the past with delight. You can be a living example for your children and the next generations to come. To make the marriage work is hard, everyone knows that, but it is doable. Think about it.