It is hard to have a relationship. If you ask any couple who has been married for a long time, they will agree.

This fact is supported by the following website. www.divorcerate.orgAccording to the age of the couple, the national divorce rate can range from 40 percent to 50 percent. There are good chances of success.

Yet, there are couples who can stay together in sickness or in health, through emotional separation, depression, infidelity and other issues — until the end. “death do they part.”

How do they do this?

Some people believe that a good marriage counselor is essential.

VH-1’s reality series “Couples Therapy,”For example, Dr. Jenn Bernman tries to help celebrities like DMXTashera, his wife, and X help each other to navigate their problems. One episode shows X confessing that he walks away from uncomfortable situations so he doesn’t have to deal.

Although counseling was once stigmatized by society, it is now viewed as a last chance for a couple to heal and have a lasting relationship.

The following guidelines will help you get the best out of your experience with a marriage counselor.

* Do acknowledge that there is a problem. It is common for one partner to not see the problem while the other does. Both partners must accept the existence of the problem.

* Do take responsibility. It is very rare for one spouse to be solely responsible in a marriage. Resolving conflict is possible by taking responsibility for your actions, words, and deeds.

* Do change your behavior. This is the hardest step but it can save a relationship. This includes saying and doing certain things. This rule is straightforward: Don’t do any actions, words, or deeds that will hurt your partner.

* Don’t have unreasonable expectations. A marriage counselor’s role is to help couples understand each other better. “fix”Perceived wrongdoing in one partner. Both partners must make and sustain the change.

If in doubt, keep the Golden Rule in mind: Treat people as you would like to be treated.