Reply #10: Been married for 24 years [View All]

......and yes all to the same women.

Rule # 1. I handle the bills. She gets a nice weekly allowance for groceries and gas and fun, no matter if we have a nickel in the bank or not. She gets her money first. This keeps her happy. She takes care of me, that makes me happy. There is no mine/her money. it's our's together.

Rule # 2. We never spend more than $100 on a single item without waiting 24 hours and the other knows about it. (Except for birthdays and Christmas)

Rule # 3. We never let the kids dictate our answers. They don't play I'll ask mommy/daddy since I don't like your answer. Whatever decision we make concerning the children, the other spouse agrees. Behind closed doors we will discuss if we think it was a wrong decision.

Rule # 4. My wife and I spend at least 15 minutes each day alone (no kids)to reconnect.

Rule # 5. Complete and total honesty with compassion.

First five years were pure hell, until we decided without the help of Oprah or Dr. Phil to live by these rules.

Extremely happy ever since.