6 Surprising Secrets To A Happy Relationship

Turn on the television or read the news, and all you hear are the negatives about relationships. This celebrity is leaving that one; this person cheated with that person. If the recent studies and articles are to be believed, more and more couples are delaying divorce because of the economy, prompting hundreds of tips from reporters and bloggers on how to live with your estranged spouse. 

Is anyone happy in their relationship? In a word, yes. There are many couples that are happy being together. But the headline, "thousands of couples achieve happiness," doesn't have the same ring as "divorce rates are climbing." 

More from YourTango: The #1 Tell-Tale Sign For The Right Guy: His Smile

So, how are these couples staying happy through all the normal peaks and valleys of marriage, coupled with today's economic challenges? Are they just lucky? Is their mantra the proverbial "yes, dear" with an eye roll? Well, sfter surveying 500 men and women on my Facebook page, the answers and secrets are crystal clear. 5 Ways To Be Happy About Your Love Life Right Now!

1. Don't communicate. Every therapist, counselor and relationship self-help book says the same thing, "you have to communicate." Merriam Webster defines "communication" as "the successful conveying or sharing of ideas and feelings." Sorry, but this definition of communication is largely misunderstood because, to many people, it means talking to your spouse so that he/she knows you are right.

In successful, happy relationships, people listen and empathize. They don't necessarily agree, but they do make the effort to really hear the information, and then see it from their significant other's point of view.

2. Go to bed angry sometimes. The golden rule is to never go to bed angry. But, sometimes things cannot be worked out without a brief break. You both might need time to consider things, evaluate, and think. So long as the discussion hasn't caused someone to scream and storm out the door, going to bed without completely working out a situation might allow for perspective overnight and a more connected, intelligent conversation in the morning.

3. Watch what you say. In today's social media driven world, words and statements fly without a care. Couples driven to stay happy and connected are careful with what they say, not only to each other, but also about each other. Often, relationships can be defined by what you say about your partner to others when they are not in the room.

4. Forget date nights. It's all about hotel sex. Date nights are a great attempt to rekindle romance. But, after working all week, diapers and homework assistance, it might not be feasible to downshift over a of couple of hours at dinner.

A better solution is hotel sex. No more, "Shhhhh! The kids!" "Are they asleep yet?" Or the inevitable knock at the door. Want happiness? Get a trusted overnight sitter and head out for an adult night. Get a meal and then head back to the hotel for dessert.

More from YourTango: Why Straight Men Don't Want To Believe Jason Collins Is Gay

Low on funds due to the economic climate? Nothing wrong with a motel among consenting adults. Use your imagination and unplug from parenting for a bit. 16 Ways Feeling Irresistible Benefits Your Relationship

More relationship advice from YourTango: 

• How To Make Long-Distance Love Work
• 13 Relationships Mistakes We Men Could Stop Making
• 4 Strangest Celebrity Family Relationships Ever