This Couple's 6 Rules For Maintaining A Successful Marriage Are Spot On

Marriage is hard, but that doesn't mean it can't be successful.

According to Ryan Stephens, a self described husband, father, and strategist, he and his wife "have found that focusing more on being teammates and less on being soulmates is a solid recipe for marital success."

That sounds like it shouldn't need to be said, right? Perhaps. But marriage is a huge life change for many people, so reading this might benefit many of you who'd like to get off on the right foot.

Lesson #1: Learn how to keep your mouth shut.

Lesson #2: Communication is everything.

Lesson #3: New things are the key, man.

Lesson #4: Be a cheerleader.

Lesson #5: Gratitude, gratitude, gratitude...

Lesson #6: Remember the golden rule.

Ryan also linked to a blog post by his wife, Alaina, who explained how she knew she and her husband were "teammates from the beginning":

While planning our wedding, Ryan and I both wrote a short blurb about our families to be read during our reception.

I penned the following: "Alaina says her dad is her hero, her mom is her best friend and her brother is her other half."

Ryan's snarky response began with: "Uh huh… and where does that leave me?" (We too, had already covered that I don't believe in soulmates.)

I backtracked quickly… "you're my partner… my teammate."

Looking back at this scenario, I stumbled a bit for the right term.

Now, nearly 6 years later I realize that, perhaps accidentally, I hit the nail on the head.

This mentality is why we are where we are, working together and living the dream. I say this because I truly believe that picking your partner for life is one of, if not the most, important choice you'll ever make.

He doesn't wash dishes or lock up the house at dark quite as quickly as I'd like him to.

And I don't get the mail or go through bills quite as quickly as he'd like me to. (Note: our mailman literally drops our mail INTO our house through a slot near our front door.)

Don't even get me started on either one of us trying to give directions while the other is driving.

We work despite these things.

We work because we are each other's lifelong teammate.

These rules are simple. They're concise. And they appear to have hit the nail on the head for many people.

Let's be clear for a moment, though: Marriage isn't for everyone. Some of you love the idea of long term relationships... just not necessarily marriage. That's okay. Thankfully these rules are universal. Seize the day, everyone.