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Beginner's Guide to Marriage

By Francesca Di Meglio, About.com

A healthy, enduring marriage requires hard work, thoughtfulness, and love. You have to be willing to make sacrifices and compromises. It’s not always easy. You can get support from friends and family, and most of all each other. If you both do your part – and start your marriage on the right foot – you can find happiness and companionship that will last a lifetime. The rewards are worth it, say most happily married couples. If marriage is a job – albeit a fun one with many perks – these are your assignments:

Learn to Communicate

You’ve probably heard that communication is the key to a strong marriage. Really, it’s the key to a strong relationship, period. Saying how you feel in a way that the other person understands is possible even if it’s not easy. You can improve your communication skills – even when you’re arguing – to make your relationship stronger:

How to Control Your Temper

Seven Tips for Getting through the First Year of Marriage

10 Tips for Fighting Fairly

How to Build Trust in Your Relationship

How to Avoid Divorce

Physical Aggression: Is It Killing Your Marriage?

Keep the Romance Alive

No one is denying that passion can wear off, especially when everyday responsibilities get in the way. But a little thoughtfulness and time can help couples keep that loving feeling and stay romantic:

Romance Manual for Married People

Seven Ways to Make the Honeymoon Last

Three Ways to Improve Newlywed Sex

Why Newlyweds Need a Vacation

How to Have a Romantic First Night as Newlyweds

How You Can Be Romantic Everyday

50 Great Date Night Ideas

How to Be a Better Kisser

Balance Your Time

Your time is the greatest gift you can give someone. For a marriage to work, you have to make time for each other despite the other things going on in your lives. To do this, you must have good time management skills:

To-Do List of Household Chores for Newlyweds

What Should I Do If My Spouse Is Spending Too Much Time with Friends?

Bring Together Your Families

You marry your spouse’s family, too. Therefore, you have to blend both your families when you are newly wed. You can get along with your in-laws and they can get along with your folks, too, as long as everyone is willing to put forth some effort:

How to Help Your Spouse Get Along with Your Family

Should You Call Your In-Laws Mom and Dad?

What Should I Do about the Problems I'm Having with My In-Laws?

How to Decide Where to Spend the Holidays

Decide Whether to Start Your Own Family

Newlyweds are often confronted with questions about whether they’ll be trying to get pregnant anytime soon. Decide for yourselves if becoming a parent is the right next step for you:

How to Approach the Baby Discussion

The Right Reasons to Have Kids

How Having a Baby Will Affect Your Marriage

Deciding to Try to Conceive

Prepare for Your Financial Future

Couples fight most often about money. Careful planning and wise investments can keep you and your partner in the black – and financially secure, which could mean fewer arguments. Getting started on the right financial foot isn’t as difficult as it seems:

Tax Help for Newlyweds

How to Spend Wedding Cash Gifts

Six Ways Newlyweds Can Save Money

How to Discuss Money with Your Spouse

Financial To-Do List for Newlyweds

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