by Penny Dablin

What can we do to improve our relationships? How can we stay in love with our partner through the years?

Let’s take the word TOGETHER and use it as an acronym:

T – Talk. Keep the communication channels open so that misunderstandings don’t build up and become resentments.

O – Opportunities. Take any opportunity you can to be together and do things together. Make opportunities happen so that you can be together.

G – Giving and Gratitude. If you both work at what you can give to the relationship and are grateful for what your partner gives to the relationship then there is no room for jealousy and resentment.

E – Energy. As we grow older, and life becomes much busier, we probably don’t have the same energy levels we had when we were younger. Look after your health and vitality to maintain your energy levels so you don’t start hiding behind the “I’m too tired” excuses.

T – Time. Time is absolutely vital to maintaining a good relationship. Time to talk, time to make love, time to just spend together.

H – Humour. Laughing at life’s troubles has a way of diminishing them. Use humour to laugh together in love.

E – Encourage. Encourage and appreciate each other. Look for the good points. Remember why you first chose this person to be your partner and celebrate those little things.

R – Romance. Keep the romance alive in your relationship and your relationship will stay vital and alive. Remember anniversaries. Bring little gifts. If you’re a creative sort you could make your partner a card or write them a poem. It’s the little things that mean so much.

So look to your relationship and reckon to work on it TOGETHER and may you enjoy many happy years with your loved one.