If you're married, congratulations! You've opened the door to financial, emotional and physical rewards. Studies show married people live longer, enjoy better sex lives and are healthier, happier and wealthier than people who are single or divorced.

If you and your spouse have children, they also benefit. Studies show children who live with their two married parents perform better academically, are healthier physically and emotionally, and are less likely to use drugs, get pregnant or be arrested. For a summary of these research findings, see Dr. Scott Haltzman's "365 Reasons to Stay Married."

Most people want their marriage to last-but they've heard about the high divorce rate, and they wonder if they have what it takes to succeed.

Think of marriage as the career of a lifetime. As with any job, your success starts with a commitment to continuous improvement. You can't just coast if you're serious about being the best.

Just as successful business people focus on professional development, successful spouses pay attention to personal development. Get training in communication and conflict resolution. Explore the spiritual side of your marriage. Build your skill in relating to your spouse by learning from leaders in the field.

Remember, taking a marriage education class doesn't mean your marriage is in trouble. Instead, it's proof of your commitment and maturity.

Businesses face constantly changing conditions - and so do families. When your spouse or your family circumstances change, staying flexible can help you respond in a healthy, positive way.

You'll also reap rewards when you look for opportunities to take on greater responsibility in your marriage. Couples committed to making their marriage the best it can be experience the most happiness in their relationship.

Check our calendar for a list of marriage education opportunities. For a list of programs in your county, visit our classes page and click on a county near you.

If you don't see a local county, check out Smart Marriages, where you'll find programs you and your spouse can buy and complete on your own. We highly recommend "10 Great Dates."

For more articles about marriage, check out our blog.