When the finances are too tight for a nice night out, schedule time for a walk. Or, enjoy a cup of coffee, stay home and turn off the phone, t.v., computer and porch light and just talk about hopes and dreams for yourself and your partner. With appreciation to Cathy Miller, MFT for supplying this Relationship Tip.

Share your day Involve your loved ones in the life you lead outside of your home. Trust that they are interested, and it keeps the relationship growing with interest and curiosity. With appreciation to Renée Brown, MFT for supplying this Relationship Tip.

It works for you...and for others! Do something good for yourself. Doing what nourishes you strengthens your relationships. With appreciation to Renée Brown, MFT for supplying this Relationship Tip.

"The Story of Us"-the movie Take note of what the family does in the movie, "The Story of Us", and share the high point and low point of your day with the whole family at dinner. Develop gratitude for each member of the family. With appreciation to Renée Brown, MFT for supplying this Relationship Tip.

Before conflicts arise have a predetermined set of guidelines ...such as: we will always be respectful; learn to name the problem; own your part of the problem; allow time for reflection rather than reaction; and stay with it till there's a solution! With appreciation to Renée Brown, MFT for supplying this Relationship Tip.

Practice self-forgiveness Then it's easier to forgive others. In other words:  accept yourself rather than judge; honor yourself rather than blame; nurture yourself rather than criticize; and release the past rather than hold onto it. With appreciation to Renée Brown, MFT for supplying this Relationship Tip.

What Track Am I On? Are you a better person, do you like yourself more, when you are in this relationship? If so, you’re probably on the right track. If not, what would you need to change? With appreciation to Beverly Kam, MFT for supplying this Relationship Tip.

Are You Respected and Respectful? Respect for ourselves and the other is a good foundation for building a relationship. With appreciation to Beverly Kam, MFT for supplying this Relationship Tip.

Simple Intimacy A moment of shared intimacy can be as simple as holding your loved one’s gaze a little longer than necessary. Eye contact can be deep and knowing. With appreciation to Beverly Kam, MFT for supplying this Relationship Tip.

How to Get What You Want! We often think that if our partners really love us, they "should" or "ought" to know what we like and what we want.  When they don't, all sorts of negative feelings result.  If you want a better relationship with your partner, in a kind and repectful way, tell them what you like and what you want from them. With appreciation to Anne Cobb, MFT for supplying this Relationship Tip.

Relax and Listen Good communication includes listening to what your partner has to say. When your partner is telling you something, hold your reaction for a minute and let your partner know you heard what they said to you by repeating it back to them or paraphrasing it. Try this and watch your partner relax. With appreciation to Trilby Steiger for supplying this Relationship Tip.