'Don't Get Married': Long-Term Couples Share Their Relationship Advice

Want a happy marriage? Get arguing. At least that’s the advice of Robert and Betty Timms, who celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this year.

And their advice matches a new study that recommends the 20 things couples should do for a happy life together.

The pair explained that they never ‘run away’ from their disagreements and reckon a good row clears the air. And they're not the only ones to think so. The top advice that came out of the study was also: 'talk'.

Robert, 91, said: "The most important thing is to talk to each other. If you talk to each other and listen to each other you can get through most things.

"What you musn't do is run away."

Robert and Betty, 92, met before the outbreak of World War Two while working on the railways in their home town of Swindon. The celebrated their platinum anniversary with youngest son Andrew and their 20 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

But aside from talking (and arguing), what else should couples do to ensure they make it?

Well for a start, forget about getting married, that's number 13 on the list - but if you do ‘don’t give up on it too easily’.

Which is fairly obviousy, but some of the advice that came out of the study wasn't so predictable.

For a start, only there per cent of the couples quizzed - who’d been married for a decade or more - mentioned being faithful.

And despite our preoccupation with sex, it actually only came 18th on the list of priorities, below honesty, tolerance and having realistic expectations.

The couples' priorities definitely had communication down as the most vital thing to keep relationships going. And many of the other suggestions feed into this, from listening and behing honest to having tolerance and respect.

As seen in the full list:

1. Talk
2. Compromise
3. Keep going
4. Work at it
5. Don’t give up on the marriage too easily
6. Don’t go to bed on an argument
7. Be patient
8. Listen
9. Be honest
10. Have respect
11. Be tolerant
12. Have realistic expectations
13. Don’t get married
14. Do things together
15. Communicate
16. Be tolerant
17. Be faithful
18. Have a good sex life
19. Be friends
20. Give each other space

But does that really mean sex isn't a big deal? Perhaps these couples don't prioritise good sex because they have it anyway - thanks to the talking and the listening and the respect.

Or does it explain why being faithful is also pretty low down on the list...?

The 'having realistic expectations' was also a common theme in the research by law firm Slater & Gordon. Couples warned against trying to change the other and reminded young couples to remember that the wedding day is not the finishing line - it's just the start.

Another issue that popped up was the small matter of children. A small number warned against having them while others advised wannabe parents to get rich first, and make sure you have time for yourselves first.

What is your top advice for a happy relationship?

[Are We All Totally Over Wedding Night Sex?]
[The Wedding Blog: I Finally Made A Dress Decision - Can I Have My Medal Now?]