Marriage has a musicality to it. There are moments in minor keys and moments in major. If you think about it, there’s always a rhythm guiding the way. It’s important to know when that beat is off, as it signals that you need to reconnect, communicate, and find the right time signature again. And when you’re both on the same page and the right notes? That relationship sings; you know you’re working as a team.

A sense of teamwork is, of course, critical to a marriage’s success. It takes work to achieve. Both partners need to communicate openly and honestly and be committed to handling issues and making decisions together as people and as parents.

A challenge to this comes when a healthy partnership tilts over into codependency. When two people open up to each other, that vulnerability can sometimes lead to emotional insecurity and a need for constant validation. This can be stifling and lead to significant problems. Couples who are a team know how to stay open and vulnerable while still preserving their own autonomy.