ArchivesofKenya’s Reviews > The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country's Foremost Relationship Expert > Status Update

3. Quid Quo Pro

When one helps out with a tour, the other intentionally reciprocates, and so on. In essence, the couple function with an unwritten agreement to offer recompense for each kind word or deed.

Needing to keep a running tally of who has done what for whom is a sign of trouble in a marriage. If you find yourself keeping score about some issue with your spouse, that suggests it’s an area of tension.

2. Thinking common interest will keep you together.

Common interest can be beneficial if it actually enriches and deepens your fondness and interest in one another.

If you’re having a terrible time during, or it’s associated with negative feelings or memories, then it won’t be beneficial at all.

Learn to communicate better. Practice, active listening. Use “I” statements to communicate your feelings when dealing with conflict instead of forming accusations.

People who are happily married, live longer, healthier lives than either divorce people, or those who are unhappily married.

They also tend to be more health-conscious than others. Researchers theorize that spouses keep after each other to have regular check ups, take medicine, eat, nutritiously, and so on.

Successful marriages have emotional intelligence.