Don’t try to change your partner.

It cannot be done no matter how hard you try.  So the best alternative is to accept the person you love unconditionally.

This does not mean that certain accommodations can be for the happiness of both parties.

1. Listen and learn – most people in life are more than content if they can get someone – anyone – to actually listen to them.  Often, listening is enough.  You can imagine why spouses and partners grow angry at their mates when they feel they are not being heard.
2. Better yet, reinforce what the other person is saying – meaning, if your spouse says we never have dinner together, work always interferes.  When you plan a dinner together, reinforce that you liked dining earlier with the person you love.  Don’t say, “You wanted me to come home early, so I did, are you happy?”
3. Give up control – controlling people ruins the lives of those around them and their own lives as well.  Try to just let go and see if it kills you.  It won’t, but you may feel a lot better.  Relationships thrive when they are free to grow.

Lots of books have been written and money spent on counseling to help couples improve their marriages.

Who knew that the free advice is the best advice?

Accept each other the way you are – no changes required.