Marriage really is a relationship built on love and compromise. Both parties have to be willing to contribute equally to the union for it to work. It's no myth that many are failing. With a divorce rate of 50%, you have to question what is contributing to such a high failure rate.

Statistics show certain groups tend to have higher divorce rates. Under-education is one of the highest marks against a marriage's success. Education and job success amount to some tension between partners and it can make some sense in this failing economy why people are giving up. Financial burdens are bound to cause stress in any relationship and can do some major damage to a marriage. Now this obviously can't account for every marriage as we all know that there are marriages where both parties are college graduates or millionaires and even these groups get divorced. We really need to look at what struggles we have with each other before calling it quits.

Communication is both a necessary and vital part of any relationship. Without open communication with each other, a relationship is going to weaken. Couples need to know their partner is on the same page and is open and honest with the other. Lying and cheating will obviously devastate any relationship and that goes without saying that there isn't any real communicating going with the offender. Being able to talk about anything with your partner and getting honest feedback will build trust. This is very important and should be exercised on a daily basis.

Love, as always, is the heart of a marriage. But as most of us know, sometimes you can lose your love for another person. Have you ever heard the phrase, "I love you, I'm just not in love with you?" That heart-gutting phrase means there is something very wrong. Either your lover just fell out of love because of whatever reasons, or maybe your lover didn't really have their heart in the marriage to begin with. I implore you to ask your partner what you can do to make things right, and take a deep look at your relationship. There are of course some people who jump into marriages like jumping into a pool at a barbeque, but those marriages probably end in an annulment more often times than not. Dating your partner is key in sparking the fire back up to what it once was, and with dedication they'll fall in love with you all over again.

Making time for each other can be a struggle with some relationships. Especially if you have children or work hellish hours, establishing a schedule for each other can be difficult. The last thing you would want to do is to lose touch with your mate. Always make time for one another. Even if you think it can't be done, it can. If it really is impossible to spend any time with your mate, maybe marriage isn't the best thing for either parties involved. It certainly doesn't make for a healthy relationship.

The little things count. A kiss in the morning, watching an old movie together, going for a walk, cooking dinner for her, flowers just because, silly jokes, whatever it is the little things do count. Little shows of affection bridge any gap there may be during those days when your schedule is most hectic. Even if you have five minutes to spare and then you've got to go back to work, taking five minutes to show your mate love on a hectic day could equal a lot more.

These are just some tips to strive for a stronger connection with a marriage partner. Making an effort can save a troubled marriage. There are of course many who have differences and would be better off to split. For those who can use these tips, it may help you save one. In the end, it should altogether help with a stronger relationship.