The Experts

"WORK AS A TEAM"
Ann Dally, 52, is a marriage celebrant
"I get to know the couples I marry before their big day, and can tell whether a marriage will or won't work. I'm never surprised to hear that a marriage is on shaky ground - they're the ones where one partner was disinterested in the ceremony. As for the ones that worked? They negotiated over everything."

"TRUST YOUR GUT"
Michael Dayes, 34, is a couples counsellor
"Everyone instinctively knows when something's not right, but it's easier to ignore that feeling. Often, couples in therapy tell me that deep down, they've always known their relationship wasn't going to work. If clients are unsure, I suggest trying to imagine their future together. Do you feel peaceful or lacking in hope?"

"FIGHT FAIR"
Dr Joyce Chong, 30, is a clinical psychologist
"All couples argue - it's completely natural. Successful relationships are about managing conflict effectively. The best couples understand how to argue constructively. Blaming, attacking, using threats or guilt, and bringing up old issues are destructive to a relationship. Always focus on the issue at hand, not the person."

"BE HONEST FROM THE START"
Lija Jarvis, 32, is marketing director for RSVP.com.au
"People constantly ask me, 'What's the key to successful matchmaking?' And I always say, 'Honesty.' On our website, people have to outline exactly what they're looking for, which automatically eliminates any game playing or confusion. I think openness is always best in any new relationship, whether it's online or not."

REAL-LIFE WISDOM

Kevin, 80, and Faye Smith, 78, have been married for 58 years
"The main reason we're still together is we lead our own lives," reveals Kevin. "Every Tuesday, I head for coffee with the girls while Kevin plays golf," adds Faye. "We have lunch together, and then it's back to our own things. And it's important not to give up if things get rocky."

Daniella and Andrew Tucker, both 26, were married in November, and are about to have a baby
"We're always doing something different together - whether it's exploring a different place, from museums to wildlife parks, or experimenting in bed," says Andrew.