The Secret To A Happy Marriage, According to Patch Readers

He forgot to do the dishes—again. She's making you miss the game to have dinner at the in-laws. Let's be real: marriage isn’t always butterflies and unicorns. We know love takes work, but that’s what makes it so special.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, we asked Patch readers across the country to share with us their secret to a happy marriage. The responses were filled with ageless advice, sweet lessons of love and a few hilarious tips to get through those tough times.

Whether you’ve been married 50 years or are just celebrating your first anniversary, here's how to keep that newlywed magic alive!

"Respect each other, cheer each other on and don't be afraid to laugh together even in the darkest, saddest times."
—Sherri L. (Land O' Lakes, FL)

"Having date nights once a month."
—Stephanie M. (Edgewater, MD)

"The 3 C's: Compromise, Compassion and Communication."
—Lindsey-Rae B. (Coventry, RI)

"Separate comforters. Grabbed an extra out of the closet 5 years ago. Pure bliss ever since!"
—Kristin G. (East Lyme, CT)

"She's always right, I'm always wrong. End of story."
—Bruce R. (Enfield, CT)

"The key is you have to be happy and when you're not talk about it!"
—Diane M. (Milford, CT)

"Working opposite shifts!"
—Lisa N. (Levittown, PA)

"Consistency, honesty and laughter!"
—Carrie A. (Aberdeen, MD)

"Don't spend too much time together."
—Deanne S. (Norwalk, CT)

"Always say I love you before you leave."
—Amy S. (Nashua, NH)

"Always remember to have fun with each other!"
—Charlie S. (Lakewood, IL)

"Respect, patience and compromise."
—Cory B. (Bohemia, NY)

"Make each other laugh."
—Deborah F. (Toms River, NJ)

"Spend as much time with your spouse as you do with television and social media."
—Beth O. (Bowie, MD)

"I keep an old picture of us next to my bed and it reminds me of who I used to be and how much love we have."
—Amy B. (Naugatuck, CT)

WATCH: The history of St. Valentine's Day in under two minutes

Tell us in the comments: What's your key to a happy marriage?

(Featured photo of Lindsey-Rae and Ricky Bouchard)