Question for happily married people

[oreopimp]

Going through a break up right now that had to do with issues of communication and me being emotionally guarded. Pretty much issues Ive had forever (Im 25 now) from childhood issues and past relationship issues. I decided to make a huge 180 too late in the game and we ended up splitting up a month after, Im still owrking on my issues with success and seeking help and rolemodels elsewhere (things Ive never done or had) instead of inwardly working on all my issues and not communicating them or seeking outward influences. So besides the break up bringing me down, how I am dealing with things is pretty new. Feels weird to let down walls and work on being open.

anyway, my question is basically this. What kind of advice would you give to someone about making relationships/marraiges work with success. It can be simple/obvious or just things you have learned as you have lived on through your relationships and/or marriage.