Married? Here’s some advice on balancing work and play from the book “How to Survive Your Marriage” (Hundreds of Heads Books, www.hundredsofheads.com, $13.95), straight from people who’ve done it:

“Start a business: My husband retired a few years ago. Going from 40 peaceful hours at home by myself to 40 hours of ‘togetherness’ made me nuts. So I started my own part-time business with my best friend, creating flower arrangements.

“We work two days a week – at her house, not mine. It’s probably saved my marriage – it’s definitely saved my sanity!”

-Mary Bright, Allentown, Pa., married 35 years

“Every couple must spend time together on a regular basis. My husband and I each lead very full lives. But we often spend time together to experience what the other is doing.

“For example, I have attended every one of my husband’s softball games. In turn, my husband comes to my volunteer and church events.

“These simple activities give recognition and importance to our marriage.”

-Pat Q.T., Calif., married 35 years

“We have issues about having ‘alone’ time at home to get work done. He gets very grumpy when he thinks I’m disturbing his creative genius. And now we argue over which of us will watch the baby so the other one can work.

“We vent our frustration by blowing up at each other. Then when that’s out, we can more calmly discuss what each of us is unhappy about and negotiate a solution.

“Our most productive solutions are often preceded by a nasty argument. It’s like we prod each other into blowing up and losing our tempers, and then we can have a good, productive discussion.”

-Anonymous, Austin, Texas, married three years

“For a perfect marriage: Have a cleaning lady, separate bathrooms and order groceries online.”

-L.M., New York, N.Y., married three years

“Talk with your wife throughout the day. Just because you’re at work doesn’t mean you’re off limits.

“My wife and I are constantly calling each other to arrange plans and deal with our six kids. She will call me to say our son is either going to get a ride with a kid we don’t know or I have to pick him up and drive him to the movie theater.

“If she didn’t call me to try and work it out, I wouldn’t have the option to say, ‘Sure, I’ll figure out a way to pick him up later.”‘

-V.P., Mundelein, Ill., married 23 years

Hundreds of Heads Books’ survival guides offer the wisdom of the masses by assembling the experiences and advice of hundreds of people who have gone through life’s biggest challenges and have insight to share. Visit www.hundredsofheads.com to share your advice or get more information.