1. First and foremost, boating/cruising has to be a shared passion...it can't be just his dream or just your dream, it has to be shared! Then you both will love it, and love sharing it.

2. Share the helm. No yelling by the more experienced spouse...offer quiet tips and let skills and confidence grow, little by little.

3. Get familiar with as many systems aboard as you can...it's your boat too, and while you might not care for some of the tasks, being able to assist with oil changes or other maintenance items will make the jobs easier.

4. If you're worried or afraid about conditions/route/whatever, voice it up front and put the topic out for discussion. Sometimes being the voice of reason is a good thing.

5. Take time before you anchor or dock at an unfamiliar marina to get lines/fenders/anchor bridle ready, and discuss what lines should be attended to first and in what order, so you each know what the other is doing.

6. Don't micromanage: His way of handling lines might be different from yours, but if they both work well for each of you, that's fine.

7. Try new things together, whether it's a popular local cuisine, or local tradition. That's a big draw for cruisers, having the time and the inclination to get to know a place a bit better than the "typical tourist."

8. Don't keep tabs on who's done the laundry last. It will all work out in the wash, so to speak!

9. Again, no yelling! Disagreements happen, but don't make them personal and don't take them personally.

10. And...take time alone. Read a book, walk the beach, have a little quiet time-time apart is essential when you're together as much as you are aboard a boat. -Karyn Rothstein