Short-term Strategies: Things you can start doing right away

Be kind to each other.

Appreciate your partner's strengths.

Put yourself in your partner's shoes every once in a while.

Figure out what you want.

Ask for what you want in a way your partner can hear you.

Develop real intimacy by letting your partner enter into your private world.

Don’t be so fast to blame — being right is less important than learning how to come to an agreement.

Remember, the more you give the more you get.

Perhaps most important of all, know that we all have the power to move our relationship into a better place.

Long-term Strategies: Things to begin working towards together

Explore your expectations as an individual and for your life together as a couple. Figure out what’s important to the two of you.

Help each other be who you want and need to be.

Understand your partner’s background and style.

Avoid unhealthy or destructive relationship or behavioral habits before they become a way of life in your relationship.

Create an atmosphere that allows both of you to learn about yourself and each other.

Plan ways to address and build on your strengths as a couple.

Plan ways to address and handle your challenge areas.

Find ways to include sexual intimacy in every stage of your relationship.