Caroline Manzo: Want a Happy Marriage? Pretend You're in Study Hall

Caroline Manzo could write the book on family – the Jersey 'Wife is "#6 out of 11 crazy siblings" and the proud head of a happy Franklin Lakes household.

"It seems that raising a family today and finding the right blend of work and play is becoming more and more of a challenge," the Real Housewives of New Jersey star acknowledges in her weekly column for MSN's Glo. Looking back at the years she juggled raising three kids and supporting a husband who spent countless nights building the family business, Caroline admits she's picked up a trick or two to keep a marriage intact. Hint: it's easier than you think.

"Before he starts his day, leave a note for him on the bathroom counter telling him you'll be thinking about him throughout the day," Caroline writes. "Or leave a lipstick kiss on the mirror, call or text him to say I love you, I miss you. When you go to your kid's games or events, try to go together. Hold hands, laugh."

The budding handbag designer reinforces her message with a personal example: "Al and I will send each other a silly e-card now and again, and it makes us both smile; even something that little means so much."

Caroline will lay down more family rules when The Real Housewives of New Jersey returns on May 16. Until then, keep tabs on Caroline and her fellow RHONJ with our Tweet Tracker.