Modern married couples just might do well to emulate some of the successful strategies of their happily married parents and grandparents -- from sleeping in separate beds to maintaining same-sex friends.

"Baby boomers got sold by psychology on the idea of being 'authentic,'" says Terrence Real, therapist, founder of the Relational Life Institute, and co-author of Wonderful Marriage: A Guide to Building a Great Relationship That Will Last a Lifetime. "It's given us permission to treat and speak to each other horribly. Our grandparents knew better."

Retro Relationship Tip No. 1: Reinstate Civility

Retro Relationship Tip No. 2: Put Pen to Paper

Retro Relationship Tip No. 3: Sleep As Singles

Retro Relationship Tip No. 4: Maintain Same-Sex Friends -- and Interests

Retro Relationship Tip No. 5: Look Sharp

Retro Relationship Tip No. 6: Don't Go to Bed Angry

Retro Relationship Tip No. 7: Hit the Dance Floor

Retro Relationship Tip No. 8: Have Couples Fun

Retro Relationship Tip No. 9: Give Compliments