Marriage: Small Steps, Big Rewards

I just finished the book "Marriage: Small Steps, Big Rewards" by Dr. Ray Guarendi. Two thumbs up. As a reminder to myself, here's a quick summary:
1. Say "I'm sorry."  Just b/c you apologize doesn't mean you're claiming 100% of the blame. But an apology is still necessary.
2.  "Don't say it". Don't say hurtful things during a surge of emotion. Sometimes those words are permanent. Practice silence.
3. "Listen a minute." Give your spouse 1 interrupted minute to view their side.
4. "Ask a few questions." Ask for clarification from their side story.
5. "Accept it." Disagreements in marriage can be lessened by an honest effort to accept it, the other persons position or reasoning.
6. "dump the D WORD." "It's utterance alone can foster disillusion, detachment, or depression. It invites thought of the formally unthinkable."
7. "use your manners." It shows respect. Familiarity breeds laziness. We are often more kind to strangers and we are to those we love.
8. "Protect". Often times mothers are the disciplinarians. When a child fights back the husband should defend his wife to the child & the child must know (s)he cannot play one parent against another. Women allow your husband to be a strong disciplinarian as well.
10. "And a touch."  Check your body language. Hug. Kiss. Touch. Be responsive to your mate's touch.