Despite its complexities, a successful marriage's foundation is simple: each partner consistently feels they are the other's favorite person. This core sentiment, when genuinely maintained, provides the warmth and motivation to navigate inevitable challenges.

People often avoid difficult relationship conversations because they feel scared. However, bravery is not the absence of fear; it is acting despite being afraid. A healthy marriage requires this courage—the willingness to address tough issues even when it is uncomfortable.

A spouse often possesses a unique and powerful intuition about your life and business decisions. Dismissing their opinion is frequently a subconscious way to avoid a truth you don't want to hear. Their perspective can be a critical gut-check against poor choices.

Beyond happiness or stability, a partnership's ultimate goal should be to help each other become the most authentic versions of themselves. This requires an intimacy where you can see your partner's blind spots and provide feedback that fosters genuine self-discovery and growth.

A common myth is that good relationships lack conflict. The reality is that the strength of a relationship is determined by its ability to manage and grow from conflict. The key metric is whether each argument makes the bond stronger (healing to 101%) or weaker (healing to 99%).

A key expectation in modern relationships is the "Michelangelo effect," where individuals look to their partners to act as sculptors, helping to "unleash" the ideal, aspirational version of themselves. This dynamic shifts the focus of a relationship from mere companionship to active personal growth facilitation.

A successful long-term partnership can be maintained with four practices: 1) Prioritize fun over rehearsing grievances. 2) Pray or meditate together to align spiritually. 3) Always make eye contact during conversations. 4) 'Always Be Touching' (ABT) to maintain physical connection.

Contrary to success creating marital friction, Tabitha Brown's husband was relieved when she became her authentic self. He hated how Hollywood changed her and was happy the world could finally see the person he knew and loved. A partner's support for your true self is a powerful indicator of alignment.

Success in relationships isn't just about picking the right partner. It's about consciously choosing which "you" shows up. If you bring your transactional, score-keeping persona to your relationship, it will fail. You must intentionally select your best, most generous self.