The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Suggestions For A Long Happy Marriage

Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher-Owner

30 June 2004

With so many June wedding anniversary celebrations I was thinking it might be a good time to print the list of  "50 Promises For Marriage."

It gives ideas that can boost your marriage into a joyful affair no matter how many years you spend with your partner.

1. Start each day with a kiss
2. Let the other know when you're leaving, where you'll be.
3. Always hug/kiss goodbye
4. Accept differences
5. Be polite
6. Be gentle
7. Give gifts
8. Smile often
9. Touch, give back rubs
10. Talk about dreams
11. Select a song that can be "our song"
12. Date once a week
13. Laugh together
14. Send a card for no reason.
15. Do what the other person wants before he or she asks.
16. Listen
17. Encourage
18. Do it his or her way
19. Know his or her needs
20. Fix the other person's breakfast
21. Compliment twice a day
22. Call during the day
23. Slow down
24. Hold hands
25. Cuddle
26. Ask for each other's opinion
27. Show respect
28. Welcome the other person home
29. Look your best
30. Wink at each other
31. Celebrate birthdays in a big way
32. Apologize
33. Forgive
34. Set up a romatic getaway
35. Ask, "What can I do to make you happier?"
36. Be positive
37. Be kind
38. Brag on your mate
39. Respond quickly to the other person's requests
40. Talk about your love
41. Reminisce about your favorite times together
42. Treat each other's friends and relatives with courtesy
43.  Send flowers every Valentine's Day and Anniversary
44. Admit when you're wrong
45. Be sensitive to each other's desires.
46. Pray for each other daily
47. Watch sunsets together
48. Say "I love you" frequently
49. End the day with a hug
50. Seek outside help when needed.

Keeping our committment to God and to each other will keep our marriages from breaking up, but honoring and serving each other in marriage can make coming home a wonderful haven that each spouse continually will love coming home to year, after year, after year.