Maintaining a happy marriage isn't an exact science. There's no one method that's going to keep people together. I, myself, am not exactly an expert. I recently celebrated my fifth wedding anniversary, though, and I'd like to share some thoughts on marriage and successful relationships.

For me, it can be broken down into three simple categories:

Communication

How many times have you heard the phrase, "Communication is key." Well, there's a good reason for it. Communication gets things moving like nothing else can. Solving problems always starts with communication.

In relationships, communications can prevent problems, as well as solve them. Talk about things, anything, really. Let the other person know that you're willing to listen to them. I think healthy relationships consist of strong connections between people, and communication allows for that connection.

When problems do occur, and they will, communication allows for those problems to be solved. If something is bothering you, no matter how little it is, you need to communicate that. Otherwise it could build up and cause a problem much bigger than it originally was.

For instance, let's take the example of your spouse leaving things around the house, causing a general clutter. Let's say this bothers you. In the grand scheme of things, is it really such a big deal? Not really, so don't hold it in until it becomes a big deal. Let your spouse know about it in a calm way.

Compromise

First, admit to yourself that you can't always get your way. It's selfish to think that way. Living with someone else isn't always easy. It means you must compromise. You're sharing living space, and you are sharing your lives. Compromise is inevitable, and it is necessary.

I greatly frown on the score-keeping idea. Just because you compromise and let your partner have their way once, doesn't mean they owe you. That negates the idea of compromise! Compromise is by definition, a settlement of differences reached by mutual concessions.

Commitment

No one said relationships were easy. They take a lot of work and maintenance, but in the end, they're worth it. It takes dedication and selflessness to nurture a relationship. If you're not ready to commit wholly to a relationship, you're doing a disservice to your partner, and you may end up getting hurt.

Commitment to a relationship is much more than agreeing to see someone exclusively. It means you are agreeing to make your partner's wellbeing just as high a priority as your own.

Relationships aren't easy; disagreements are inevitable. But through communication, compromise and commitment, I think you'll find that a healthy relationship is unlike anything else this world has to offer.