Newlyweds are typically referred to as couples that have been married a year or less. Unsurprisingly, that year is known as the hardest part of married life especially if you’re tackling other life-changing acts like moving in together for the first time or having a baby. Yet, very few of those same couples heard advice on how to survive their first year as a married couple. Although there is no exact formula on making your first year work with very few hitches, we do have a few newlywed dos and don’ts that should be on every couple’s wedded bliss list.

Don’t:

Let the Jitters Get to You. Your life just changed, but that doesn’t mean you have to become fearful of what’s ahead. Marriage is a big step, but reacting because you are nervous about what marriage entails can cause you to sabotage your own success.

Suffocate your Spouse. It is normal to want to be around your spouse all the time. Unfortunately, many couples forget that they need alone time too. Give each other breathing room and don’t be afraid to go and do your own thing every now and again. Alone time lets couples retain their sense of their individuality within the relationship and prevents them from feeling lost once the rings are on their fingers.

Make Important Decisions Alone. Sadly, this one isn’t common sense. You are now part of a lifelong couple, and that means no more major decision making by yourself. Any large decision will affect you as a couple, so it is only fair that your spouse gets some input in this large decision.

Do:

Fight Fair. Never, ever hit below the belt, because in addition to hurting your spouse, it will block you and your spouse from tackling any legitimate issues you may have. The point of the argument will be lost and both of you will just be hurt, upset and left with a still unresolved issue.

Listen. Listen to each other. Don’t cut off your spouse or alternatively, blindly agree when he or she is talking. Going along resentfully with something can be just as damaging as a blunt refusal.

Compromise. Yep, welcome to the land of compromise. You will have to make compromises throughout your marriage, so the best thing to do is learn how to compromise now and not later.

Now, we have good news and bad news. Bad news first: There are at least hundreds of other dos and don’ts newlyweds should follow. But the good news is that if you remember these six tips, you are well on your way to celebrating 50+ years of wedded bliss. Congratulations!

This is a guest post from SimplyBridal. Simplybridal.com’s wedding dresses have been featured on Style Me Pretty and Wedding Chicks. Started in Los Angeles in 2011, SimplyBridal now ships to over ten countries and added a line of jewelry, veils, and sashes.