Do you think marriage is a turkey shoot? Are you looking for a guarantee of success? Don’t gamble with your relationship. Follow expert advice to beat the odds for divorce.

Researchers can predict the success or failure of a long-term relationship with 90% accuracy based on one thing - Conflict Resolution Skills. All relationships experience problems. How you handle them makes the difference.

Do you avoid discussing your differences? You build resentment and destroy your relationship as surely as fighting does. Follow these steps and solve differences safely, without fighting.

1.Set aside a time to sit down together, without distraction, to discuss the specific difference of opinion you want to solve.

2.Define the problem to be solved.

Don’t jump into a power struggle. A difference of opinion is not right or wrong, just different.

3.Brainstorm all of the possible solutions.

Think outside the box. Get creative. Write down all solutions. Don’t eliminate possibilities for any reason, even if they are “way out” or sound crazy. This makes it fun!

4.Discuss each suggestion.

Give pros and cons. Put a check by possibilities. Cross out ones that are unrealistic or not acceptable to one of you. Consider whether two or three can be combined to make a better option. Be open to new ideas.

5.Choose an option that is acceptable to both of you.

Don’t say “yes” if you have reservations. You won’t follow through.

6.Set a date a week or two into the future to sit down and discuss how this solution is working.

Practice the solution during that time and note how it works.

7.Celebrate that your relationship is important enough to spend the time to find a “win-win’ solution.

Now, forget your differences and have some fun!