If there's one yummy mummy who's still as gorgeous as she was a decade ago, it is Malaika Arora Khan. And she ensures that her husband (Arbaaz Khan) looks just as good. That means no scruffy beard and no dirty shoes. But the couple's relationship goes beyond these physical superficialities. They've mastered the art of peaceful co-existence (they recently celebrated their 12th anniversary), something that tinseltown is forever grappling with. Malaika, who refuses to be called a relationship counsellor, gives CS some love tips:

WHO: Malaika Arora Khan
WHAT: Offering tips on marriage
WHERE: At a surburban five star

Pic/ Shadab Khan

Saying sorry
As clich ufffdd as this may sound, it is very important to respect your partner. We have a very romanticised notion of love, which isn't always quite accurate. Everyone has their share of flaws and idiosyncrasies and you get better acquainted with this side of your partner when you marry him or her. You have to be able to look beyond that and realise how your partner is enriching your life. Arbaaz and I are like any other coupleu00a0-- we have our share of fights and arguments, but at the end of the day, we know how to say sorry. That is the key to making a marriage work, and the only way to diffuse charged situations.

Talk time
Of course, it is very important to sit down and discuss things jointly. I don't think Arbaaz and I take decisions independent of each other. Be it finances or films, Arbaaz does thrash out important matters with me. And if my stance is different from his, he takes my opinion into consideration. That's vital in any relationship. You can't show the middle finger to your partner and do your own thing. After all, you're in a marriage for a reason.

Year me out
Allowing your partner to be himself or herself is an important aspect of marriage. I've always been a working mom, and Arbaaz has always supported me. But balancing family and work is something that comes naturally to me. I ensure that I don't let the two overlap yet manage to do what I want to. For instance, every year I decide to do something different.

One year I thought I would travel, and that's what I did. Then, the next year I decided to try my hand at adventure sports and I had a blast honing my skills. Last year, I decided to take cooking seriously, with the intention of starting my own restaurant. I hope to realise this dream this year. There is only one thing that I decide to do every year, but still haven't managed to get started, it is driving. Arbaaz makes fun of me now. But I hope to do it this year. Promise!