People tend to have such lofty conceptions of love and marital happiness that little day-to-day simple acts of kindness are seldom considered. This study investigated specific, repetitive, small daily acts that strengthen marriage, and little acts that disturb a stable relationship. Participants (N=57) were individuals who had been happily married for 30-51 years, with an age range of 48-82 years, and an educational level from 10-20 years of schooling. Data were collected through in-depth interviews consisting of 21 direct and open-ended questions. Results showed that the smallest acts such as smiling, touching, looking, hugging, and saying "thank you" and "I love you," helped couples to: (1) maintain and continue their love relationship; (2) enhance their physical comfort and well-being; (3) encourage individual growth and enjoy shared togetherness; (4) keep special rituals and memories; (5) accept children and in-laws as extra bonuses; and (6) remove negative acts through open communication, humor, forgiveness, and courtesy. Results suggest a dynamic equilibration-equilibrium model. There is a continuous interaction between the organism (the couple) and the environment. The ebb and flow of the positive and negative helps maintain an open equilibrated system through self-regulatory activity of the couple. (Author/ABL)