You might not change when you get married, but some of your habits have to. 'For better and for worse', includes weeding out the things that could prove to be destructive in a marriage.

Follow these guidelines and you'll create security, intimacy and trust in your marriage. Step outside the lines, and you're on rocky ground.

Confiding in female friends

Most married men don't plan on having an affair, but it often starts by developing an inappropriate emotional connection with another woman. Being unfaithful has a lot less to do with sex and lot more to do with not being emotionally satisfied, according to a study by marriage counselor M. Gary Neuman.

Be careful to whom you are unloading your problems to.

Details on your sex life

What happens in the bedroom stays in the bedroom. Intimacy is extremely personal between you and your wife. Respect her enough to not share details about it with anyone else.

Belittling your wife

Of the 3.52 billion women who live in this world, you chose her. She should be your everything, and how you speak to her should demonstrate that. A married man must never tear down his wife verbally.

Build her up. Learn how to handle frustrations with healthy communication. Thank her for the things she does for you. Kiss her on the forehead just because. Those are the things beautiful marriages are made from.

Making sexist jokes in the workplace

This should go without saying, but as a married man, sexist jokes are not flattering (or OK). You of all people should appreciate the power of women.

Any type of joke that belittles, stereotypes, sexualizes or suggests men are superior to women is a sexist joke. Respect your wife, mom, sisters, coworkers and women everywhere by avoiding such unattractive behavior.

... Or sexist jokes anywhere

Seriously, there is never a place for this.

Complaining about your wife behind her back

I've heard my fair share of men complaining about their wives in the workplace, and nothing makes me cringe more than this. Your wife should be your best friend. You are her deepest confidant; the keeper of her secrets. You devastate your relationship when you, the man who knows her better than anyone in the world, flippantly criticize the annoying things she does.

In contrast, I worked with a man who would say the most beautiful things about his wife. He would praise her abilities as a mom, and appreciate the kindness she showed to others. When I eventually met her, I could honestly tell her I had heard amazing things about her. Can you imagine how she must have felt to hear that her husband only spoke positively about her at work?

Ignore (or at least don't whine about) the obnoxious things she does. Everyone has their quirks.

Telling your parents about wife fights

You usually don't remember the intensity or emotion of a fight after you make up with your wife, and she doesn't either. But if you tell your parents about it while you're still annoyed, they will remember. They aren't around for the reconciliation and only remember the hurtful things your wife might have done or said in the heat of the moment.

Threatening with divorce

Little hiccups in the relationship shouldn't threaten a husband's commitment to his wife. Comments like, "I can't be with someone who doesn't show me appreciation like I need," are a form of emotional blackmail. It suggests that if she does such and such, you will leave.

Learn to discuss problems within the relationship without making the marriage seem like it's on the line. Instead of saying you can't be with someone who _, tell her you feel like sometimes you don't feel appreciated. Don't hold the relationship hostage.

Any conversation you wouldn't want your wife to overhear

"Would I be uncomfortable if my wife were listening to this conversation?"

If you keep that idea in the back of your mind, it will save you from a world of trouble.

Your marriage is precious. It requires protection - sometimes from you. Keep these conversations out of your life, and you'll have a much happier relationship.