by Poladian

Created on: January 12, 2007   Last Updated: April 23, 2007

All relationships, no matter how great, have room for improvement. Whether little or big changes are necessary, it's crucial that you take a long, hard look at your own relationship to find out where your potential problems lie. If you take the time to do this now, you just might avoid impending relationship disasters in the future.

Listen Up

Have you ever told a story to someone only to realize halfway through that they weren't listening? It doesn't feel good, does it? Listening to your partner is vital if you want to have a relationship that will last. The next time your lover begins to tell you a story or an anecdote about their day, be aware of how you treat them. Even if it's a silly story about a co-worker, listen and provide some feedback. You'll be surprised at how positively this could affect your relationship and maybe, next time when you're telling a story, your partner will listen to you. Funny how that works

Rekindle the Flame

No, I don't mean with an ex, I'm talking about your current partner. Maybe you feel your relationship doesn't need improvement in this area, but I'm betting that it does. You probably buy your significant other roses now and then or take him or her out for a fancy dinner, but chances are, your partner is craving more than that. Think back to when you first metRemember how you did anything and everything to please him or her? Well, why should things be different now? Start leaving little love notes all over the house for your partner to find or hide a little gift under their pillow. Make a gourmet dinner, buy a romantic c.d. and dine by candlelight. Tell your lover just how beautiful or handsome you find them and list the specific characteristics (not only physical) that made you fall in love with them. Compliments and romantic gestures go a long way in relationships and they will make your significant other feel special, loved and secure.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

If you knew your partner was going to die in three months, would you waste your time yelling at them for not putting away the dishes or for forgetting to take out the trash? Of course you wouldn't and it's time for you to start treating your lover the way you would if you knew your time together was extremely limited. Couples often fight about little things and when you stop to think about it, it's completely unnecessary. Instead of mulling over something your partner did or didn't do, try just letting it go and appreciating them for who they are. We often forget, but life truly is short. Enjoy it together while you can.

Laughter is the Best Medicine

Have you've heard the saying, "the couple that laughs together, stays together?" Maybe not, but it's definitely true. Laughter can make any situation better and it's good for your relationship too! No matter the problem, whether it's a flat tire, a laundry disaster or a drunken mishap, try laughing about it instead of getting angry. Laughter can diffuse just about any situation and shed some light on it, making you realize it's just not worth getting worked up over. You missed your movie, dinner sucked and your boyfriend spilled his frappuccino on your favorite dressWhat do you do? Get pissed off and ruin the night or laugh about it and have a story that the two of you will remember forever? Laughing will teach you how to deal with dilemmas that arise and secure your bond as a couple. Try it out for yourself and see how your partner reacts. You may just find that it makes your great relationship even greater. And what could be better than that?

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