It takes compromise, that is, a willingness to tamp down one's own needs when they conflict with your partner's, for the sake of the relationship. If both sides do this it can work becasue neither will feel like they are being treated unfairly or asked to do to much.

It extends to small things. My wife is Jewish and became more committed to it after we were married, when she was pregnant with our daughter. Now, even with our daughter grown and out on her own, I, as the dish doer, maintain basic kosher, even when my wife is not looking, out of respect for her traditions.

There is also the old adage, "Happy wife, happy life." True fact.