Internet Date

Let’s face it, relationships are hard to maintain over the long run. These days, most end in divorce. If you want to have a long happy life together with your partner, then follow our advice here. It’s based on research conducted by couples therapist, John Gottman, who has collected data over 25 years.

The first thing is to be positive. Simply put, don’t berate each other. It is easy to fall into negative patterns of behavior, but this can be easily avoided with patience and positive reinforcement. In fact, healthy relationships have a 5-to-1 ratio of compliments over put downs.

The second thing is to try and create what Gottman calls an environment of “Fondness and Admiration.” In short, this entails displaying physical signs of affection such as hugging, kissing and general affectionate contact. Part of this is verbal too, so be sure tell your partner more often that you love them.

The last thing is to have romantic nights together. Once the kids come, this is really difficult. But with a little planning, you can be enjoying the physical part of your relationship in no time. All you have to do is leave the kids with a family member one night and get out of town. Go somewhere nearby on the cheap and make it fun. It can be a lakeside cabin, or whatever, but make it 1 night and about the passion.

With these steps, you can be reestablishing the love in your relationship in no time…