There's a young boy and girl sitting alongside each other in the park. The cold afternoon air rushing over them is making goosebumps on his arms.

He considers what he's about to do and thinks, "I might as well dive in and see what she says." Gets off the bench and bends down on one knee. Tries to pull the ring out of his pocket. Blunders it due to his sauerkraut fingers.

The ring clinks on the ground…

He gawks at her, not really having envisaged in his head the sudden embarrassing turn of events. He is surprised to see the tears lining her cheeks. She hugs him firmly and tells him softly, "Yes, you don't even have to ask, sauerkraut fingers!"

You might call this a fairy tale ending. But marriage is a long-term mission. It takes work to keep the fire burning. A lot of people get neglectful when they've been married for several years. Not knowing that our partners expect spontaneity. Whether they show it or not.

A little enthusiasm now and then is important. Lifelong commitment is the guarantee of marriage. Taking that into account, let's pledge to become good at making them happy. Short of learning to do tricks, we must do everything in our power to make sure that they laugh (or at least smile) once a day.

Okay, so maybe you're the most mind-numbing person on the planet. What you lack in wit, you can offset by your thoughtfulness. Taking notice of them and yourself.

Yep, you heard me right. Make sure that you groom yourself. Having several kids or grandchildren doesn't mean you have the privilege of looking your age. Make an appointment at a salon. Keep your hair tidy. Go shopping. Find clothes that provide that elegant yet abiding look. Makeover a feature you never thought of making over before.

Come see me at my Chagrin Falls dental office and you'll get a stunning mouth makeover that will have your partner quaking with anticipation. When we get the Chagrin Falls porcelain veneers situated, you won't know the difference between now and the day you became a husband or wife. I'll deal with your teeth. You can sort out the rest.