Once thought to be a mystical creature, one only hopes they can encounter a happy marriage ("foreverus relationshipius") in their lifetime. It seems that it takes the rare convergence of two (relatively) mature adults willing to exert great effort, who both need to be able to be wrong and care how their actions affect the other. The two must be able to discuss issues that matter, and drop the ones that don't. This second group of issues, it seems, comprises the majority of said issues. The two must understand that although they don't necessarily agree with the other's viewpoints, they matter to the other, so they must try to understand and respect the viewpoint. For example, one such half of a happy marriage thought it was wrong for mayonnaise to touch the cheese on her sandwiches. Although confounding to her mate, her mayo never touched her cheese if he could help it. Those in a happy marriage tend to laugh a lot. At themselves, each other, whatever. They don't take trivial things seriously and they don't trivialize those things that are serious. They assume that if the other party hurts them it was unintentional. They let arguments die, regardless if there was a "winner." In fact, most happy marriages are made up of two losers. They tend to sacrifice themselves for the sake of the relationship.

one that doesnt end in divorce

One where both people are content, communicate, and feel fulfilled.

One that's still in the planning stage.

one that involves healthy communication with lots of laughter thrown in.

I'll tell you what my experience is Honesty Kindness Acceptance Friendship Not competing against each other Supportive Honorable Similar goals/wants/needs Faithful in word/deed/thought/action Openness Thoughtful Helpful

Well , its communication its so important to understand each others feelings. Sometimes our baggage gets in the way and the feelings that are triggered are another voice from past and we take it out on that loved one. Men and women sometimes hear things differently and it is hard. But that is why I go to God and say God you know him better than me and you speak to him he is not hearing me now. It always works. God helps us to see when we cant. Respect men need that, and women need to be cherished and listened to. The bood "women are from venus and men from mars" is a great bood to guide couples. Also be a servant meaning deny yourself and give first , its a way of showing love and respect and will always come back to you.