Six commandments for a happy marriage

“A relationship is a contract of mutual nurturance…We identify six minimal beliefs as necessary:

1. a belief that commitment is necessary for a long-term relationship to succeed;
2. an agreement of romantic and sexual exclusivity;
3. an agreement that there will be no secrets, deceptions, or betrayals;
4. an agreement of fairness and care (e.g., when a person is sick, he or she will be cared for);
5. an agreement to treat one another with respect and affection; and
6. an agreement in principle to try to meet one another’s wants and needs.”

   (from Gottman Method Couple Therapy by John and Julie Gottman in Clinical Handbook of Couple Therapy by Alan Gurman, p 162)