Psychology Today: Relationship Rules

This is a very interesting article on working on your marriage/relationship. Sometimes I find we spend a great deal of time trying to figure out how to get into a new relationship, rather than working on the ones we already have. This list some very proactive ways to not only survive your relationships but to thrive in them as well.

* Choose a partner wisely and well.
* Know your partner's beliefs about relationships.
* Don't confuse sex with love.
* Know your needs and speak up for them clearly.
* Respect, respect, respect. Inside and outside the relationship, act in ways so that your partner always maintains respect for you. Mutual respect is essential to a good relationship.
* View yourselves as a team, which means you are two unique individuals bringing different perspectives and strengths. That is the value of a team--your differences.
* Listen, truly listen, to your partner's concerns and complaints without judgment.
* Work hard at maintaining closeness.
* Take a long-range view.
* Never underestimate the power of good grooming. ( my fav)
* Sex is good. Pillow talk is better. Sex is easy, intimacy is difficult.

The article in its entirety.