What are the secrets happy couples know?
I'm not talking about the newbies in the early sizzle of love, but those long-term couples who keep their unions loving and lasting despite work, kids and all the busyness of life: couples like the wonderful Paul Newman and Joann Woodward who shared a fifty-year love affair.

Turns out the key to a happy relationship is simpler than you think. It's the little things
that yield the biggest return. So here are two things you can do to fall in love with your mate all over again:

1. Stay Connected. Sounds obvious, but with all the distractions of life, it's easy to disconnect, so make a point to check in on a daily basis. Ask what stresses your mate faces day-to-day, or how that meeting went. Talk with each other about your hopes and dreams. The more you build your friendship, the more powerful your union will be.

2. Don't Criticize. You have every right to complain, but that's different from criticizing your mate. Insulting your partner is one of the biggest love-killers. So rather than focusing on what's wrong with your partner, focus on what's wrong with the situation. Instead of, "You're such a slob," try "I'm overwhelmed doing all the cleaning by myself."