A marriage can be a wonderful union of love, laughter, comfort and mutual support – but they can also take a lot of work.
You go through the best and worst of times in life with your partner, but with 42% of UK marriages now ending in divorce, is the idea of a happy ending just in the movies?
We’ve rounded up the best advice for a long and happy marriage from both celebrities and our own reader. So what’s the secret to enduring love? 
Make sure you always show how much you appreciate each other
Despite being in the intense glare of the public eye for well over a decade, Matt and Emma Willis are the epitome of a happy, settled couple, who appear to have the ideal marriage.
And now, in a new interview with The Sun, Emma has shared the secret to her 10-year-marriage to the Busted rocker, confessing that they both still have loads of fun spending time together, and, of course, still fancy each other.
Emma also shared that the couple still make sure to appreciate one another – even 10 years and three kids later.
Asked what she thinks is the secret to their relationship, Emma replied, “Because I still love him! I still fancy him. He’s still fun, he doesn’t bore me. I suppose I just picked really well. We both picked well.
“You know what? Maybe there’s not a secret. You’ve just got to work at it and spend time together and appreciate each other. And yeah, you’ll p**s each other off from time to time. Nobody’s perfect. But if you don’t expect perfection, you’ll be fine.”
Sounds pretty simple to us!
Treat each other to a surprise every once in a while
Prince William recently offered up his view on what makes for a solid and stable marriage – and given his 15-year-long relationship with Kate, we’re guessing he knows a thing or two about keeping the spark alive!
According to British florist Paula Pryke, Wills has admitted that he loves to gift his wife with a bunch of flowers every now and then to keep the magic in the relationship going. He said, “He told me that he liked buying flowers for Kate and how much she loved flowers.”
Prince William has also revealed that there’s one couple with a long marriage that he admires most – and it’s none other than his grandmother the Queen and husband Prince Philip.
Speaking in a BBC documentary, the King-to-be spoke about his grandparents’ 70-year-long marriage, saying “I would love to know their secret, it’s actually fantastic and I have regularly asked them both how on earth they have both managed it.
“They are the most lovely couple, and I hope Catherine and I have that sort of future ahead of us, where we can be as happily married as they are for 68 years.”
Make the most of every day
Reader Frank Bunt was married to his wife for 55 years. Frank shared their story with us – and his advice that you should seize every day with your partner and make the most of your life.
“True love is very rare. In my case, we were separated for two and a half years in the 1940s and we had to go our separate ways, but, when we came together again I knew we were meant for each other.
“After 55 years of marriage and two super sons, sadly my wife passed away in 2007. My advice is that life is not a rehearsal – you only get one good shot.”
Always try to be a good listener
Oscar winning actress Meryl Streep has been married to her husband Don Gummer for 37 years. She revealed that the key to their long and happy marriage is that they are both good listeners. “You have to talk about all the issues that arise, even the smallest things. You have to listen to your partner’s problems, suggestions, and advice, and accept that you’re not always right.”
Build a life together – but also remember who you are as an individual
Reader Jane Humphries has been married to her husband for over 50 years and shared this tip with us: “Don’t live in each other’s pockets. Have separate interests and spend time apart. My aunt gave me this advice on my wedding day”
Remember the little things
Celebrating anniversaries, birthdays and special occasions are all well and good, but sometimes just remembering a little thing your partner likes will go a long way too.
Lorraine Kelly and her husband Steve Smith have been married for 22 years. One of the secrets behind their happy marriage? He makes her favourite breakfast for her every Sunday morning – egg & soldiers! Aww…
Never forget – communication is key!
Reader Linda Falconer is celebrating her 42nd wedding anniversary with her husband this year. Her advice? Communication is key to a long lasting relationship, “Talk to each other and never go to sleep on an argument.”
Be supportive
When Sharon Osbourne battled breast cancer, her 33 year marriage to Ozzy was really put to the test. But her husband proved that one of the most important aspects of a good relationship is being there to support one another through thick and thin.
“He slept in a chair by the side of my bed for 18 months,” Sharon confessed. “He would carry me to the bathroom when I wet myself because of the medication, then shower me and put me back to bed. When my hair was falling out he would pick it out of my food. There was no disgust there, because he loves me unconditionally, just as I do him.”
Honesty and trust
Margaret Bryce has been married for nearly 50 years! She let us in on the secret of her marriage: “TRUST…the most important factor of any relationship/marriage. After 48 years I believe that is the number one key to our happiness.”
So what do you think the secret to a happy marriage is? Let us know on our Facebook page – @womansown.
The post 9 secrets to a happy marriage appeared first on Woman Magazine.
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