The more you think about it, the more love and cake have in common. Love is an universal emotion, sort of like how everyone loves cake. Okay, maybe that's not the perfect example, but hear me out. Love is very similar to those iced layer cakes.

Both are found at weddings, both bring happiness, and both will fail without a recipe. There are going to be issues with the cake if the baker doesn't follow the recipe just like how love will fail if this recipe is abandoned.

Keep these "ingredients" in stock at all times to make sure your marriage is as beautiful as the cake you had at the wedding.

Measure ingredients carefully

There are certain things you do when baking a cake. Don't add ingredients in too fast, don't follow things out of order, and measure your ingredients carefully. Just like baking, there are things you do and don't do when married; Don't let your eyes wander. The both of you aren't going to have your looks forever, but don't stop trying to find the beauty in your relationship no matter your ages. Don't throw away your marriage for frivolous endeavors, like affairs or pornography.

Stir in heaping cups of gratefulness

This is a very important ingredient to have on hand in the marriage pantry. If you forget to say thank you for the little things in life, those acts of service will slowly melt away"¦like icing on a hot day. When your husband does this, or you wife does that, say thank you. Say thank you for the things that don't necessarily need a thank you. Say thank you when he's least expecting it. Tell her thank you in 17 different ways. There really can't be too much gratitude thrown into the recipe of marriage.

Add a dash of romance

I don't mean coming home with roses every day (though that does count as romantic). Send her a formal invitation to a casual night with Netflix. Hide a scribbled "I love you" on a post-it note. The bulk of a cake isn't built up with things like baking powder, but that cake will fail without that leavener. Just like marriage, this recipe needs a dash of romance to keep things alive.

Bake at 350 degrees

Compromise is a huge part of any relationship. You can't let your emotions run amok, and you can't live a selfish life. You and your spouse are going to have different opinions, but your end goals should align. Yes, there will be little things that may put a few roadblocks in your way, but you both are working to put that cake in the oven. Make sure your communication is crystal clear so you both know you are working towards the same goal.

Let it cool before icing

Let things cool off before picking up a discussion. Troubles are going to come along in your marriage; that is normal. Though some fighting may be normal, that is no excuse to use heated words, insults, or act childishly. There are many ways to solve a conflict, but violence is never the answer. If you are feeling heated and out of control, take a break and cool off. Have discussion in a calm manner to avoid hurting your spouse physically or emotionally.

Don't over-decorate

Money is going to be a concern in your relationship, so talk about finances frequently. You are both going to need to be on the same page when it comes to spending. Don't let a bad investment cost you your marriage. Don't spend more than you have, don't buy things you don't need, and don't get into debt. A happy marriage doesn't have to be an expensive one.

Try it with ice cream

If you like, you can stay in your comfort zone and never feel uncomfortable"¦but where's the fun in that? When you decide to pursue a dream, you might find happiness you and your spouse didn't think you could have. Don't shut out new opportunities or chances to be more adventurous. Be vulnerable; don't be afraid to tell your spouse your wildest dreams. You might not think you like red velvet cake, but you never know until you try it.

If you love your partner, follow this recipe. You'd hate to see something so lovely topple over.