Tip Number 4: Talk it Out

Talk, talk and then talk some more. Be open and honest. The difference between a happy couple and an unhappy one is how you disagree. If you’re having differences in your relationship, talk it out. Don’t avoid them. Don’t remain quiet. Deal with it. Just keep in mind that you won’t always see eye to eye, and that you don’t need to make a federal case out of every difference, but if something is bothering you then you should talk it out.

Tip Number 5: Expect Respect

ople will treat you and talk to you the way you let them. Expect Respect. If someone talks trashy to you, they will most likely treat you trashy. Respect yourself and set a standard to how you would like to be treated and spoken to. Don’t make excuses for someone who pressures you or bullies you into doing something you don’t want to do, instead confront it. Set your boundaries when it comes to language, behaviors, drugs, alcohol and sex. Be willing to walk away from a relationship that violates your self-respect.

Relationship Tip #6: Break it down. 

Problems -they suck and all relationships have them. But ignoring them and hoping they will go away doesn’t work. Nagging at someone for the 100th time hoping that they'll get it on the 101st time doesn't work either. Argue smarter, not harder. Focus on one think you would like to be different, and then break it down. Tell the person, "Hey, I would like it if you came to the door to pick me up, than honk your horn and wait for me to come out." The key is to be very specific and very brief. The more specific you are, the less chance there is for misunderstandings. The key is to be very specific and very brief. The more specific you are, the less chance there is for any misunderstandings.

Relationship Tip #7: Watch the attitude.

You know the whole talking thing is going to end up a big mess when the first thing you do is roll your eyes and say “I knew you were going to do that.” Nothing starts an argument faster than having a bad attitude. Yes, we’re all human and sometimes you can’ t help but have a bad attitude… you woke up on the wrong side of the bed or you failed the most important test of your life. But other times you might just be being a brat…you didn’t get what you expected or your pride is getting in your way. Are you giving them a fair chance to be themselves or are you annoyed because they didn’t do what you expected? Are you being nice or do you just want to do what you want to do regardless of anybody else’s feelings? So before you talk to your other half, watch the attitude.

Relationship Tip #8: Say you’re sorry.

He hurt your feelings and she made you mad and you haven’t spoken to each other for what seems like an eternity. Now what? Repeat after me…”I’m sorry, please forgive me” and “how can we make this better”. And when someone offers you an apology you say “I forgive you, let’s make this better”. Don’t play blame games and don’t try to punish the other person by intentionally waiting forever to speak them. Just get it over with as soon as possible. Say you’re sorry when you hurt someone and be forgiving because nobody’s perfect.

Relationship Tip #9: Get a life.

Ok, we get it, you really like each other. Now please get a life. You don’t need to spend every waking moment together. Spend time away from one another. Ladies – go shopping with your friends without him. Guys – go play basketball with your friends without her. Smothering each other every minute of the day will set unreasonable expectations on the other to entertain you, excite you, soothe you and complete you – this will drain you and make you very unhappy. The most important thing you can bring to a relationship is a life – so go get one.

Relationship Tip #10: Have fun.

Yah, we all know the drill. Go to the movies or a romantic restaurant, hold hands, and blush. That might be your definition of a fun relationship if you were born in the eighteenth century. Try something different and have fun. Keeping adventure in an relationship allows you to see how your boyfriend/girlfriend handles challenges and overcomes obstacles. Need some ideas? Go rollerskating. Hey, its exercise and its fun all in one. Try mountain climbing. This is the number one way to see how your crush handles challenges. Do they attack the obstacle with zeal or half heartedly haul their carcasses up the mountain? Cook up an exotic meal together from a recipe book and have a picnic. A great time to brush up on your cooking skills. Having fun in a relationship keeps you happy, and being happy makes you healthy. If you and your boyfriend/girlfriend are happy, there’s a greater chance you will have a healthier relationship.