THE ABC’S OF A RELATIONSHIP

A - Acceptance is a key. We all have things that we would like to change about our partner. They may have same feelings about us. In a healthy relationship partners accept their differences without trying to change each other. 

B - Breaks. It doesn’t mean you have to take a break from your partner. Allow yourself to discover who you are, to grow as an individual and a partner in your relationship. 

C- Communication. Communication should bring you and your partner closer to each other. It should be used to break down the barriers. 

D - Develop knowledge and skills about healthy relationships. 

E - Be Empathic. Show your ability to understand and share the feelings of your partner.

F – Forgiveness. Don’t waste your time on being mad at your partner. Gain the courage to forgive even though it’s difficult. Let it be your learning experience. 

G - Give as much as you take. Stand up for things that matter to you but also be aware of your partner’s needs. 

H - Help your partner when needed. Show your care by understanding and supporting.

I – Interest.  Express interest in your partner’s life, work, hobbies. Try to be involved and demonstrate that you pay attention.  

J - Bring Joy to the relationship. Joy multiplies joy.

K - Kindness, even on a difficult day, can change negative interactions to positive ones.

L – Love. Make sure your partner feels loved.  Speak your own language of love: there are many ways to show your affection.

M - Make time. It is important to put things away and make time to be together. It will bring you closer and keep romance alive. 

N - Nurture the relationship and your partner. Relationships aren't static—they are living, dynamic aspects of our lives that require attention and care.

O - Be Open, keep communicating. Healthy relationships center on being able to discuss concerns with one another and not keeping secrets.

P - Passion is great, strong, powerful emotion. Keep passion alive in your relationship.

Q - Relationship Quality rests on mutual dealings, connections, and feelings that exist between two parties.  

R - Respect. Mutual respect is vital in a heathy relationship. Respect your partner’s wishes and it’ll make both of you happier. 

S - Support each other, show care and understanding. Supportiveness is considered to be a pure form of love because the one giving support does it for their partner and not for themselves.

T - Trusting someone means that you think they are reliable, you have confidence in them and you feel safe with them physically and emotionally.

U - Understanding each other is most important thing for the partners to build a strong relationship. Be open minded and try to understand your partner’s point of view even if it’s difficult. 

V – Value. Don't ignore your partner, show that this person is worth your time. Make sure your partner feels valued.  

W - Wishing for new adventures, interesting things to do as a couple. Make your wishes come true by working on it together.  

X - Excitement is a feeling of great enthusiasm and eagerness. Keep your relationship exciting and fresh. 

Y - Yes. Couples in healthy relationships are more likely to say “yes” to their partner. Say “yes” to love and future together.

Z - Zig-Zag path through life can be difficult. Make it easier by walking together holding hands.

Dear Robert, 

During our last fight you asked me…let me rephrase it, you screamed at me with an agonizing expression on your face: “What do you really want, woman?!”

Let me tell you what a Woman really wants, Robert.

A woman wants respect. Be kind, considerate, honest, and fair.  Show me through your actions that you respect my opinion, friends, interest, and career. You don't have to agree with me all the time but try to honor my opinion as valuable contribution. You know the golden rule - treat me as you would like to be treated.

A woman wants romance. Bring home flowers for no reason. I don’t need an expensive bouquet of roses, simple bouquets from the supermarket are enough to make me smile.

Even if we are at home watching TV, it doesn’t mean the evening has to be boring. Light a few candles and see where the night leads. Remember making out in the car, date nights, all the things that made us fall in love? Just because I became your wife doesn’t mean you should stop being romantic.

Yes, I love sex. But remember that there are other body parts that need your attention, don’t go right away for the one that gives you immediate relieve. Spend some time exploring my sensuality-I will thank you for it! Small physical touches are good. I am not joking when I ask for a quick shoulder rub, don’t dismiss it please. And yes, I would love you to massage my feet.

Women are vocal creatures. I know you love me, but it's nice to hear you say it, too. You know I can be insecure after having kids. Tell me I am beautiful; it helps me to feel good. Plus, when I feel sexy I’m more likely to act sexy. Tell me how much you like the chicken I made. Thank me for vacuuming or taking kids to school. Just let me know that you see the effort I put in, and you're grateful.

I understand you are busy and have other responsibilities but simply making the time to be with me and treating me like your top priority says "love" more than all the fancy gifts. This includes helping around the house. We are both working. If you happen to get home before I do, why not throw in a load of laundry or set the table for dinner? If you take the garbage out without being asked, chances are you'll be getting a big smooch when you come back. 

A woman wants to be heard. Listen when I talk to you. I’m not speaking just so I can hear my own voice; I want to connect with you. It’d be great if you pay attention to the little things. It makes me smile when you remember the last movie I watched or the name of my friend.  

I hope I answered your question, Robert. I want you to be respectful, understanding, helpful, romantic, playful, sexy, and kind guy that I married.