People date, they fall in love, get married and live happily ever after. Yes, they can be happy, but they will encounter problems. All problems can be solved and you can keep the spark alive in your love life. It takes work, but who ever said that work has to be hard and arduous. Have fun, be happy and enjoy one another.

A few words about what keeps love on track and couples happy:

Never go to sleep angry or hurt. Make up with words, make up with tears, then make up with passion. Mend emotional fences as they get broken. By doing this you confirm to your partner that you really care how he/she feels.

Say "I love you" every day - in words, gestures or actions and occasionally in surprisingly unexpected ways. Be wild and daring sometimes.

Keep dating. Plan events away from the kids, friends and family where the two of you can share "couple time" doing something fun, interesting or romantic. Pretend you are still dating and you have to impress with your charm, sense of humor, sexy good looks and intelligence.

Dance in the kitchen. Hold hands in the movie. Play in the bedroom. Relationships need a solid foundation. An exclusive, intimate, deep, trusting connection is vital for strength. Like any foundation, it will crumble without care, so work hard to keep the connection healthy.

Share all of you with your partner - every hope, dream, wish, doubt and misery. Do not recount only the events of your day, confide the secrets in your heart.

Laughter is essential for good physical health and acts like glue in a relationship. It helps when times are bad (and there will be bad times), and it makes good times better. Stick a note in a shoe. Phone with a joke. Tell a funny story. Tack this to the fridge.

Forgive then forget.

Compromise without rancor. Find a middle ground where you can. If you cannot and it is not life and death, give in. It doesn't show weakness, it proves strength.

Fight fairly. Never be nasty, mean, cruel or physical.

Consider that there are few traits that may send you directly to a marriage counselor if you see them in yourself or your partner. Defensiveness, lying, stonewalling, criticism and contempt are (some) signs that your relationship is in serious trouble. Get help or start saving for lawyers.

Plan to care for your partner when you are gone. Get life insurance, make a will and write down or discuss your wishes - in detail. This seems basic, but the unexpected death of a family member a few months ago serves to remind me of just how important it is.

And lastly... give your love an extra kiss today and think about doing a little something special for them. It certainly won't hurt, and it may make the most important person in your life smile. What could be better?