Sharing two hobbies, having three cuddles every 24 hours, saying at least one ‘I love you’ a day and enjoying two romantic meals a month will help ensure a lasting liaison.

Researchers also discovered the husband and wife who will stay true to their ’til death us do part’ vow will have met through friends – and tied the knot after three and a half years together.

The profile of the perfect marriage was compiled by wedding planning website www.confetti.co.uk

More than 3,000 married adults were polled to discovere the secrets of their success in staying together.

Carol Richardson of confetti.co.uk said: “The research shows just how many components make up the perfect marriage, including the ideal age gap, dating duration and time to get married.

“It also seems couples are getting married older now which could be down to women putting more emphasis on their careers nowadays, resulting in romance and marriage playing second fiddle.

“Yet the perfect age gap for a ideal partnership still consists of the groom being older than the bride which must work due to the husband being more emotionally and financially stable.

“And after wedding hype is over, the study shows how important it is to keep the magic alive with regular kisses, cuddles and romantic nights out.”

They should also say ‘I love you’ to each other at least once every day and have sex three times a week.

And to keep the spark alive the poll found that married folk should enjoy two romantic meals out each month and spend three nights of the week cuddling on the sofa together.

They will also keep in regular touch – even when they are at work – through at least three phone calls, text messages or emails.

Two surprise weekends away every year, will also keep the marriage strong.

But while the ideal couple will share two hobbies, the study also revealed it’s important to keep some independence by having two separate nights out with friends each month.

If you haven’t signed up yet, get your free 52 Marriage Boosters at www.NeverEndingHoneymoon.com

Even though this movie is not about marriage, Ken Blanchard and Barbara Glanz have produced the perfect example of the impact a simple act can have.

http://www.stservicemovie.com/
Enjoy!

So have you planned your Valentine’s Day yet?

Yes, Valentine’s Day is on a Thursday this year, so work schedules may conflict with plans a bit. But this is one of those holidays you just simply cannot forget. Does it have to be costly? No.

That is the good thing about Valentine’s Day. It is the one holiday of the year where the thought really does matter most. It is the day where you can let your spouse know they are very special to you, without breaking the bank to do it.

Here are a few creative Valentine ideas to help you get started:

NO COST IDEAS:

• Send an e-card to your spouse
• Write a short personal letter to your spouse. Let them know what you appreciate about them.
• Go for a walk (might have to bundle up where I live)
• Watch a TV show together
• Stroll through a shopping mall (one of my spouse’s personal favorites)
• Give your spouse a handmade coupon, good for one carwash, backrub, handdrawn bubblebath, etc.

IDEAS UNDER $20:

• Go out and share a really decadent dessert
• Share a dinner at a nice restaurant
• Go to a museum
• Flowers
• Chocolates
• Favorite magazine subscription

IDEAS OVER $20:

• Jewelry
• Dinner at a nice restaurant
• Overnight hotel stay
• Attend a concert or play
• Dinner Theatre
• Dinner Cruise

Hope this helps get the creative juices flowing.

If you have some creative Valentine ideas of your own, please share them with us by leaving a comment.

And here is a little booster that did not make the list, but is fun to do and still meets the goal of more quality time.

Simply take a short (or long if you are so inclined) nap together on a Sunday afternoon. Wow, saying nothing and doing nothing! How easy can you get. I know it seems overly simple, but sometimes the simplest things can still have the best desired effect. In the words of Indiana Jones…”trust me”.

Click the “Weekly Marriage Boosters” tab at the top of the page and share your simple marriage boosters.

Help Someone UP Today,

Rodney

We drove to a high school football game in my mom’s 1966 Thunderbird. I still remember it rained and we never got out of the car. We sat in the parking lot during the game and played cards. I still don’t remember feeding her anything, so it was a pretty cheap date.

I drove her home, gave her a small first-date kiss on the doorstep and went home. Karen and I still differ on whether we kissed on the first date, so apparently it wasn’t a very good one. But to this day, over 35 years later, I still swear we did. She says no way. Let’s just assume my version is right — since she doesn’t spend a lot of time on the internet.

Use the “comments” link below and tell us about your first date. (Keep it clean boys and girls.)

Help Someone Up Today!

Rodney