"... the secret of a long lasting marriage is...... communication. When we talk about issues and really open up to each other, things are great between us. When we keep things to ourselves, grudges and resentments build up and we end up arguing."
..."What good is talking if neither of you are really committed?... marriage comes down to actions. I think people talk too much about the things that bother them, instead of actually doing the little things that keep a marriage strong. You have to know what your spouse needs from you, and then you do it. And you avoid doing the things that harm the relationship. If your spouse acts the same way, your marriage can make it through anything."

Micah and Nicholas Sparks, Chapter 8, p. 113-114 - Three Weeks with My Brother (2004)