No two marriages are the same. Every relationship and marriage is different. You and your sweetheart have distinct backgrounds and experiences that create a unique partnership. You bring various qualities and characteristics to a marriage that either help it succeed or fail miserably. However, despite these differences, there are a few things that every good marriage possesses. These five things will help you create a strong, wonderful relationship:

Time

For a strong marriage, a couple devotes time every single day to it. Both partners are willing to work for the marriage and make it a priority, even when hundreds of demands and responsibilities are nagging for their attention. In a good marriage, there are regular date nights, time spent cuddling on the couch, phone calls and text messages- just because. Each spouse prioritizes the marriage.

Service

You must be willing to help your spouse with various tasks- even if you don't want to or haven't been asked. My husband is a prime example of this. Not long after we were married, I was driving to work in a bad snow storm. My windshield wipers needed replacing for quite some time but I just never did it. Once I got to work on that snowy day, I sent my husband a text, complaining about my wipers and saying how I had to change them that evening. Once I got to my vehicle, I saw fresh footprints around my car, but I didn't think much of it.

As I drove home from work, I was amazed at how my well my wipers were suddenly working. It then dawned on me. Those fresh prints were my husband's. He drove to my office during his break to change my windshield wipers, which I could have easily done that evening.

You don't have to do large acts of service. It's the small things that make a huge difference.

Laughter

There is nothing that can turn a bad day around as quickly as true laughter. Research shows that when a couple laughs together, the relationship is stronger and the couple draws closer to one another than relationships where there is rarely laughter. In today's world, it shouldn't be hard to find things to view or hear that will make you laugh. Share with each other a funny moment that happened during the day, watch a YouTube clip or a comedy together before you go to bed. For a weekly date night, visit a comedy club.

Security

You need to feel safe in your marriage. You should never worry if your actions are going to have abusive consequences. Your spouse should be your best friend. You should feel safe whenever you are together. You should never feel like you must be careful or walk on eggshells around one another. If so, you should seek help.

Goals and dreams

If you want a long-term relationship, you both need to share common goals and dreams. You need to work together to create a future. If not, you will find your relationship moves in different directions as you pull it one way and your spouse pulls it another.

You make a marriage great with whatever you add to it. By incorporating the above five items in your relationship, you'll create a marriage that will bring you lasting happiness- no matter what obstacles are thrown your way.