Communication and compromise - every day, every hour. If you have a problem with things that she's doing, don't wait until the faucet is exploding with water, catch it when it is just a drip. Put the compromise in place, and if either party doesn't stick to it, discuss it again in that same non-threatening way, and resolve to not do it. Constant communication and compromise are essential - not just waiting till you are pissed and start yelling and screaming at each other. Of course, as divorce rates skyrocket in the US, more and more people are simply living together.
Marriage is a bond of security.
Many people want the knowledge that a commitment has been made that is hard to get out of, so you'll work out problems when they occur instead of packing up and leaving at the first sign of trouble. I got married because I felt that it would make my wife more secure in our relationship, but if we didn't, I'd have been OK with it. Get out there and keep slugging away. I've certainly passed your book along to some of my romantically-troubled friends, and they've enjoyed it quite a bit. All rights reserved.