Take care of him. And make him feel important. And if you can do that, you'll have a happy and wonderful marriage. Like two out of every ten couples.

The quote by Neil Simon reflects both humor and realism about marriage. When Simon says, “Take care of him. And make him feel important,” he highlights the importance of emotional support, affirmation, and attention within a relationship. These simple gestures form the foundation of intimacy and trust, which are essential for any partnership to flourish. The idea is that a successful marriage does not require perfection but rather consistent acts of care and validation.

However, Simon adds a humorous twist with the line, “you’ll have a happy and wonderful marriage. Like two out of every ten couples.” This satirical observation suggests that, despite best efforts, truly successful marriages are relatively rare. It acknowledges the difficulties and complexities of long-term relationships, pointing out that many couples struggle to maintain harmony even when they know what should be done.

The origin of this quote lies in Simon’s career as a playwright and screenwriter, known for blending wit with social commentary. His works, such as Barefoot in the Park and The Odd Couple, often explored themes of relationships, love, and human behavior through comedic but insightful dialogue. This particular quote exemplifies his style—offering practical wisdom while undercutting it with humor to reflect real-world imperfections.

Ultimately, Simon’s statement reminds us that marriage requires effort, empathy, and constant reinforcement of one another’s value. Yet, it also humorously concedes that even with such efforts, the journey of two people living together is far from easy, which is why only a fraction of couples achieve the happiness that many aspire to.