Back in March 2002, marriage researcher David Popenoe listed ten marriage myths. Unfortunately, from what we read in our emails and on the marriage forums, those myths are still believed by many people.

Two other marriage myths that need to be dispelled are "all you need is love" and "it's okay to ask for help with chores."

We do place love first on our list of qualities for a successful marriage, but the list is a long one. Asking your spouse to help with household chores is a mistake. Asking for help implies that the responsibility for the chores belongs to just you. Chores around the house should be considered shared responsibilities.

What marriage myths would you like to see disappear? Share more myths.

Paul and Georgia Bradley, who live in Indiana, are celebrating their 80th wedding anniversary.

"Now 98 years old, the Bradleys have spent almost their entire lives by each other's side. The happy couple says each day is still an adventure full of romance and humor, and they're still in love after all these years."
Source: "Ind. couple celebrates 80 years of marriage." ABCLocal.go.com. 10/06/2009.

How wonderful. Though we do have to question their comments on a video. Paul said they never had an argument and Georgia responded that she just let him win. That may have worked for the Bradleys, but we don't recommend not ever having an argument! Most marriage experts agree that learning healthy conflict management skills is vital to having a successful long lasting marriage.

Headlines about marriage scandals, usually unfaithful spouses in political marriages, frequent the news these days. Warning signs were evident in some of the marriages, but some spouses were seemingly surprised by the news. A few of the marriages ended in divorce and some married couples hit by scandal are still together.

The lack of public outrage over the recent David Letterman scandal has some marriage experts concerned that individuals are getting too used to marriage scandals and that our society is on a slippery slope towards more failed marriages.

We don't think so. We think the Letterman, Ensign, Edwards, and Sanford scandals can remind people of the negative impact of stupid, selfish decisions on their lives, the lives of their spouse and children, their careers, and their families.

What are your thoughts about cohabitation, confessing a one-night stand, marrying your spouse again, whether or not opposites attract, and the importance of traditions in your marriage?

Share your thoughts and opinions on these and other topics by participating in one of our Marriage Polls.