10 tips for a good relationship

This article appears in the May/June 2007 edition of the Love 'n' Kisses 'Kissing Booth'

Following are ten tips from Love ‘n’ Kisses to help your relationship stand the test of time.

1. Friendship.
Passion can eventually fade but if you have a great friendship, your relationship is more likely to stand the test of time.

2. Laughter
Laughter is the foundation for every great romance! Don’t be too serious and always try to see the light side of an ugly situation.

3. Compromise
Just about every relationship involves compromise of some form. Try putting yourself in your partner’s shoes, and sometimes, just do things because you know it will make them happy!

4. Trust
Trust might have to be earned but if you don’t trust your partner from the get-go, things can go down-hill very quickly!

5. Communication
Communication is probably the most important element to a great relationship. Find common interests to talk about, and just get into the habit of sharing even the little things (even if you don’t think they’re very important!).

6. Shared Dreams
A shared vision of what you both want from the future can help make sure you’re on the same wavelength, and also ensure there are no nasty surprises in the future.

7. Time Together
It’s not the amount of time but the quality of time you spend together that’s really important. So make sure your time together is special to you both, and not just sitting on the lounge watching TV.

8. Appreciation
It’s easy to fall into a pattern where you take your partner for granted. Don’t forget to keep doing the quirky little romantic things that remind your partner how important they are to you.

9. Commitment
In our disposal society, it seems to be so easy to just walk away from a relationship when things get tough. The reality is, relationships can be tough, and you have to realise and accept that not every fight is going to lead to a break-up. Commitment means sticking it out, through good times and bad.

10. Fight Fair
Keep your punches above the belt, and don’t say things you know you’ll regret later.