Tips for keeping your relationship on track
15 May 2007
Marriage and family therapist, Jeff Herring, told the Sun Journal some of his top tips for keeping relationships alive.
His first recommendation is to date your partner, even if you live together. He suggests a date night every week or month, to ensure you have time together you can count on.
Saying "I love you", according to Herring, will always help to cement the bond between you, as will surprising each together, perhaps by coming home early or giving your lover a gift.
Understanding you partner's love languages can enable you to demonstrate your love in a way they will respond to and recognise, whether it is through time, gifts, doing nice things for them, telling them how you feel about them or through physical contact.
Apologising when you need to is a good way to prevent arguments and put issues to bed, says Herring.
Discussing each other's dreams and ambitions is another area which can bring couples closer. It will allow you to offer your partner support and encouragement in achieving their goals, which they can return to you.
Finally, telling your partner what you like about them, whether it's a personality trait or something they do that makes you happy, it can only improve your relationship to let them know.
