Be happy and stay happy in marriage and/or relationships

It's important to be happy - and yet, most of the crap I put on this website isn't based in trying to help people become (and stay) happy.  But why not?  Today, I found this list of 7 things that people who maintain a happy marriage do.  Now, I don't think this list has to be just for MARRIED folks, but can really relate to all relationships. 

As always, the list I found on The Stir is in regular print with my thoughts/observations/obnoxious comments in italic. 

1) Have inside jokes and rituals
 Nothing is better than having inside jokes with the one(s) you love.  Being able to share a knowing phrase, word or even roll of the eyes just connects the two of you and keeps the world out. 

2) Check in with each other during the day
Nothing is better than that beep or vibrate of a text coming through on your phone, especially when your tension is at an all time high.  Then you glance down and see the familiar name and you cant help but smile.  It doesn't take much, just a simple "Hi, I'm thinking about you." or "Good Morning, good luck on that presentation."  Just a short message just reminds your love that you are thinking about them.  

3) Say "thank you"
Two simple words.... Thank and You.  Use them aggressively and often.  If someone takes the time and effort to do things ... even if they don't expect it, a thank you is very much appreciated.

4) Let things go
 Most arguments really mean very little.  They seem like huge deals at the time, but in the grand scheme of things, what does it really mean if someone leaves their socks on the floor, the toilet seat up, or the toilet paper going the wrong way (not sure why all three of those things revolved around the bathroom....).  More often than not the argument isn't worth it at all. 

5) Bring things up (voice your concerns)
 Easy.  Communication.  No relationship (of any kind) can exist at a deeper level without honest and open communication.  Something bothering you?  Bring it up, not during times of stress - but instead in times of calm where you can just discuss something that is bothering you.  If you don't, those thoughts just pile up in your head until you literally explode in a horrible argument (see #4 again!)

6) Volunteer together
Good people do good things.  Doing good things together and you have something to talk about and feel good about each other!

7) Be humbled, can't be "cool" all the time

Very much like #5