Relationships that work are the ones
that are worked on. If you are
wondering where to begin, here are
some areas that can always use a little
TLC.

1 Communication: Being able to share
the emotional, mental, physical, and
spiritual aspects of your life, without
feeling judged or devalued, is what
good communication is all about.
Neither you nor your partner is a mind
reader, so you need to let each other
know what you’re thinking and
feeling. Remember that
communication is the most important
part of your relationship.

2. Acknowledgment: From simply
saying thank you to expressing your
appreciation on a deeper level, you
need to let each other know that you
are grateful for one another’s actions
and supportive of each other’s efforts.
Look for every opportunity to show
your partner that you are receiving
your love’s positive energy and
responding appropriately.

3. Interdependence: Being truly
interdependent means being involved
with each other in a supportive
manner without compromising your
values or sacrificing yourself for the
relationship. Interdependence means
having time to yourself as well as time
together. The key is finding the right
balance.

4 Playfulness: Have fun together.
Whether it’s the tried-and-true or
something new, being playful keeps
your love growing. Every time you do
something to make your partner
smile, it creates chemicals like
oxytocin, sometimes called the
“cuddle hormone,” in both of your
brains, which makes you feel closer.

5 Acceptance: We all need to learn
how to accept each other and our
circumstances, so we can move
forward in a way that enhances our
lives and relationships. Make an
honest assessment of where you are
in your life right now and accept it.
It’s the only way you can move to the
next level.

6 Positivity: Make the mutual choice to
maintain a positive attitude. Being
positive may be the key to keeping
harmony. You can control your
behaviors and even your moods when
necessary, and having a loving partner
who is willing to be there for you,
even when you are struggling, can’t
help but make your relationship more
positive.

7 Reinforcement: Showering your
partner with little gifts, staying in
touch during the day if you’re apart,
and being there for your partner, no
matter what, are just some of the
ways you can reinforce your
relationship. Be mindful of any actions
or behaviors that might undermine
your love and get them changed
ASAP.

8 Honesty:Having a partner you can
trust creates a buffer between you
and the difficulties of the world.
When you have a mate you can rely
on, it’s easier to take those risks that
help you grow. Always be honest with
each other about your feelings and
needs, and remember that you can
tell the truth without being harsh.
Every successful relationship needs
the care and nurturing of two
committed adults, giving to each other
in a way that creates a mutually
beneficial connection.

Giving your relationship what it needs
to thrive is a truly loving gesture.
Make the effort. You are both worth
it.

CAP