The institution of marriage is established in many societies. Although marriage guidelines vary from culture to culture, it consists of common fundamental features that help promote a healthy, happy relationship. Contrary to popular belief, marriage does require a fair amount of work and nurturing from both spouses. People fall in love, walk down the aisle, and expect to live happily ever after on autopilot. Though love, compatibility, and parallel goals play a huge role in the marriage, it?s also critical that you make a conscious effort to fulfill your end of the deal called ?wedding vows?. Here are words to live by to assist you keep your marriage on track and get you through the tough times with your husband or wife: 1. Love with all your heart. You should give it your all ? your unconditional love ? to your spouse, soul mate, lover, con fibretrim fidant, and best friend. Your marriage should be your top priority. 2. Don?t sweat the small stuff. It?s so easy to get caught up in the world of nitpicking. If you?re a worrywart or have a dramatic flair with a tendency to blow the most trivial matter out of proportion, you need to relax. It?s not worth the aggravation to start an argument with your spouse over something miniscule. If you don?t, he or she will ultimately begin to withdraw and develop feelings of resentment, which can potentially undermine your relationship. So, whenever you have the urge to assert yourself over something minor, take a deep breath and bite your tongue. 3. Patience is a virtue. No matter how wonderful your relationship is, you are bound to experience adversities together. The trick is to work through your problems and stay together for better or for worse.