How to Make a Relationship Work

No matter how in love and compatible you are with your significant other, every relationship requires effort on both sides to make it work. Analyze what you expect, what you're willing to give, then use basic strategies to ensure your commitment is a success.

Instructions

1. Communicate openly and honestly. Express your worries, hopes and needs. Listen when your partner has something to say and offer support and assistance whenever you can. Respect one another's values and viewpoints.

2. Trust and be trustworthy. Worrying about infidelity or the inability to keep the details of your relationship private will undermine your self-esteem and your ability to be close to and rely on your partner.

3. Address potential problems before they become an issue. Money and sex, for example, can turn into relationship deal breakers if you don't learn to express your feelings and reach compromises.

4. Make time for one another. Whether you have children, busy careers or an assortment of hobbies and pastimes, schedule regular "alone time" to reconnect. Surprise each other with notes around the house or occasional phone calls and emails when you're apart.

5. Argue when you need to. Keeping your anger or problems bottled up will lead to resentment. An occasional fight is worth it if it helps you resolve smaller issues before they become big ones. Just keep it constructive without resorting to belittling or name-calling.

6. Remember the good times if you hit a rough patch in the relationship. Reminiscing about an old inside joke or romantic moment can help you rekindle some of the closeness you may have lost.