By simply reminding yourself of your spouse's positive qualities--even as you grapple with each other's flaws--you can prevent a happy marriage from deteriorating.

~ John Gottman, Ph.D., The Seven Principles for Making
Marriage Work, p. 65

...[M]arriage is the commitment of the two parties one to the other, and their mutual attachment of mind and heart. Each must, however, exercise the utmost care to become thoroughly acquainted with the character of the other, that the binding covenant between them may be a tie that will endure forever. Their purpose must be this: to become loving companions and comrades and at one with each other for time and eternity....
         ~ Bahá'í Faith: Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá , p. 118

Prevent bad qualities from arising. Put away bad qualities which have arisen. Produce goodness that does not yet exist. Increase goodness which already exists. Search with sincerity, and persevere in the search. In the end thou wilt find the truth.
    ~ Buddhism: The Gospel of Buddha, Amitabha , The Unbounded Light,                                                                                                                 para. 24

Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things.
                                            ~ Christianity: The Bible (NAS), Hebrews, 13:18

A Brahman's virtues, Prince born of his nature, are serenity, self-mastery, religion, purity, patience, uprightness, learning, and to know the truth of things which be.
                                                           ~ Hinduism: The Song Celestial, 18:42

You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against your countrymen. Love your fellow as yourself: I am the Lord.
                                               ~ Judaism: Tanakh, Vayikra (Leviticus), 19:18

O ye who believe! Persevere in patience and constancy: vie in such perseverance; strengthen each other; and fear God; that ye may prosper.
                                             ~ Islam: The Qur'án, The Family of Imran, 3:200

O pious one, you must purify the character! For any human being, the purification of his own character is (done) thus: he purifies his character with good thoughts, good words, good deeds.
                                                                ~ Zoroastrianism: Venidadad, 10:19

Character is the basis of happiness and happiness the sanction of character.
                                                                                          ~ George Santayana

The quality of strength lined with tenderness is an unbeatable combination.
                                                                                                  ~ Maya Angelou