#1 The Love Bank ~ how we rate and keep track of the positive and negative feelings we get from our partner, directly and indirectly

#2 Instincts and Habits ~ patterns we are born with or have learned; they can add to or withdraw from our partner's Love Bank

#3 Emotional Needs ~ meeting your partner's most important needs is the fastest way to accumulate wealth in their Love Bank (covered in more depth below)

#4 Undivided Attention ~ busy couples, especially those with kids, tend to overlook the importance of communication without distraction; even if you have to set up an appointment with your partner, don't neglect this important concept

#5 Love Busters ~ the quickest way to a bankrupt Love Bank is destructive behaviors that upset your partner; insensitivity and dishonesty are among them

#6 Radical Honesty ~ even those little white lies can be detrimental, and omitting important details is just as harmful

#7 Giver and Taker ~ when love is new, we are enthusiastic Givers, but by nature, we are selfish Takers; what happens when love is no longer magic?

#8 Three States ~ Intimacy, Conflict and Withdrawal relate to the Giver and Taker in us all, and the condition of our Love Bank

#9 Joint Agreement ~ do nothing unless you and your partner agree on it ... sounds easy enough, right?

#10 Successful Negotiation ~ four basic guidelines to survive and settle any conflict

These basic needs can be ranked in order of importance to each partner. Meeting your partner's needs is a great way to create Love Bank deposits.

* Affection
* Sexual Fulfillment
* Conversation
* Recreational Companionship
* Honesty and Openness
* Physical Attractiveness
* Financial Support
* Domestic Support
* Family Commitment
* Admiration

Your needs and your partner's needs are not likely to be in the same order of importance. It is really important to know which needs your partner values most.

The wise advice of Dr. Willard F. Harley, Jr. has saved thousands of marriages. Read on to find out about some simple things you can do to safeguard yours.

Dr. Harley has a Ph.D. in psychology and taught it for many years, as well as working with couples as a licensed psychologist. His first best-selling book was published in 1986. Over a dozen other books followed.

The Marriage Builders discussion forums are a great resource, but don't jump right in just yet. It is really important to read and familiarize yourself with the Basic Concepts first. They are key to understanding the advice given and acronyms used in the forums, and form the foundation of your building.

At minimum, take the time to read this Summary of Basic Concepts before posting.

Don't forget to download the FREE questionnaires in PDF format, and complete them with your partner, or by yourself. You can bet one of the first things the MB veterans on the forums will ask, is did you complete the questionnaires.

Resolving conflicts can be one of the most difficult aspects of marriage.

Find helpful articles on the following topics at How to Resolve Conflicts.

* Your First Year of Marriage
* Should You Have Children?
* Your First Baby
* Raising Children
* Blended Families
* Dividing Domestic Responsibilities
* Career Development
* Financial Planning
* Conflicts of Faith
* Retirement
* Drug and Alcohol Addiction
* Special Occasions
* Can One Spouse Save a Marriage
* Emotional and Physical Disabilities
* Depression

In the section How to Survive Infidelity, Dr. Harley outlines the reasons that partners cheat, how affairs may end, restoring the relationship, and coping with resentment.

More detailed coverage is given for specific situations such as internet infidelity and what happens if the affair results in a child.

If you're not married, there is still much to learn at Marriage Builders.

Is the person you're with now "the one"?

Should you live together before marriage?

These questions and more can be answered in Preparing for Marriage.