Reply #57: Don't start taking each other for granted

[Scout]

especially on the little things.

Like, even though we've agreed that certain jobs belong to me (cooking dinner most of the time) or to him (cleaning up the dog poop) we still the other "thank you for cleaning up the back yard, the dogs and I appreciate it" or "that was a good dinner, thank you"

you don't necessarily have to do it every time, but always remember to do it sometimes.

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Respect each other ... don't require that one asks permission of the other to do something. That's too much like asking mommy/daddy. Instead, we state that we want to do XXX, and discuss it ... can we afford it, is it practical, how important is it. Usually we end up agreeing without having to compromise much, sometimes we don't agree but it doesn't end up turning into a big fight.

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Go into the other room if you have to fart!

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Don't go to bed angry at each other ... agree to continue the discussion if you must, but do not go to bed angry.

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Be reasonable ... remember you love them, and also remember that love is not enough. There must also be respect, and consideration, and lots of other things.

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Don't lie to each other.

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Discuss having and raising children before attempting the same. Don't trick, force or manipulate anyone into becoming a parent.