I think the most important of the 7 rules is rule #2:

How many good moments do you need to make up for the bad ones? Research has a ratio for you: 5 to 1.

In stable marriages, there are at least five times more positive interactions than negative ones. When the ratio starts to drop, the marriage is at high risk for divorce. In real life, no couple can keep a running tally of positive and negative displays. There are hundreds of them that happen in any given day. But in a practical sense, the lesson is that a single “I’m sorry” after bad behavior isn’t enough. For every snide comment or negative outburst in a marriage, a person needs to ramp up the positives so the good-to-bad ratio doesn’t fall to a risky level.

Read more: http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/10/recipe-for-a-happy-marriage-2/

Second most important rule is #5:

Don’t Expect Your Spouse To Make You Happy

Research shows most people’s happiness eventually returns to their natural baseline, even after very positive events like a wedding.

Happiness lies within the individual and expecting a spouse to change that forever is unrealistic and unfair.

Read more: http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/10/recipe-for-a-happy-marriage-2/

Other posts you should read on improving marriage, love and romance:

• What are the four things that kill relationships?

• What 6 secrets can the oldest couples teach us about how to have a long, happy relationship?

• How To Have A Happy Family – 7 Tips Backed By Research

• What 6 things can improve your relationship?