Communication key to happy married life

London: A new study has suggested that communication and compromise can be a key to happy marriage.

Sarah Thompson, a family solicitor with Slater and Gordon, which commissioned the research, said that what's clear from her meetings with clients, who have been married for at least 10 years, is that marriage can be hard work, the Daily Express reported.

Thompson added that when she speaks to them about the reasons their relationship has ended, it's often for the same reasons, problems like, communicating and not being able to compromise.

Thompson continued that sadly, despite the best intentions in the world, not every marriage will last forever, but as this research has shown, communication and compromise can be the key to a happy marriage, but they are also the attributes that can help resolve a relationship that is over in the best possible way for all parties involved.

Some of the other recommendations were reinforcing the importance of keeping things light, "have a good sense of humour," "keep laughing" and "never go to sleep on an argument."

There were some unexpected pieces of advice too, like, "don't get married," "don't let the in-laws interfere" and "don't have unrealistic expectations of changing someone to suit yourself."

A satisfying sex life was only 18th on a list of 20 top tips to a better relationship trailing behind patience, honesty and respect.