7 Ways to Make Your Relationship Stronger ...

One of the best ways to make your relationship stronger is to make sure your love and commitment come first. Not to say that you put your significant other before yourself in all situations, because self love is just as important. However, your relationship as a whole should come first over work, friends, social media, TV, etc. Put time into your relationship; step away from taking overtime at work, hanging out on Twitter, and watching TV. Make your relationship stronger by putting the effort into being there and putting it first.

Be open with each other, be honest, and share things with each other that you never thought you would tell anyone. If you can’t trust your partner with these secrets then who can you trust? Were you that kid who tasted glue, or perhaps you were that nerd in high school who was on the chess team and thought you were going to be a lonely old cat lady?! Why not have a good laugh about this and share your past with your significant other? Trust that they will comfort you and be there for you no matter what.

Turn off your phones, laptops, and the world and have an US day. We get so busy with plans, busy weekends, and work weeks that we sometimes get lost in it all and forget to slow down and enjoy the little things. Some of my favorite moments with my husband involve just sitting at the kitchen table together and talking over breakfast with our coffee, and then we sit there for a few more hours to enjoy each other's company. Go for a walk, play a board game, cook together, solve the crossword puzzle in the newspaper, read a book aloud...whatever you do, just do it together and shut out the world.

We often feel thankful and appreciative of the things our partner does for us and with us, but we don’t often speak of those emotions. One really powerful way to make your relationship stronger is to actually say how you feel. Say thank you when your significant other helps around the house, takes you out to dinner, or picks up the kids after school. Sometimes just saying thank you can go a long way. Tell your partner today and every day how much you appreciate them and how much they mean to you.

Does your partner enjoy a little night out with the guys or the girls, but you always “check in” to see what’s going on? Well, let go and be more trusting in these situations. Let your significant other call or text you first and when you do talk, don’t ask too many questions about what they are doing. Just say, “I miss you and hope you’re having a great night.” It will go a long way and your partner will be very appreciative of your trust.

Does your significant other tend to leave their clothes on the floor, slacks a little on taking out the trash, or forgets holidays like Valentine’s Day? Don’t turn these little things into arguments, just them go and life will be so much easier. OK, if your partner turns into a slob and forgets your birthday or anniversary, that may be another thing! However, you want to be his/her lover, wife, husband...not a parent! So, no more nagging about the little things.

Is your partner struggling with his/her career, going back to school, or perhaps there is someone in the family who they don’t get along with or a friend who has turned their back on them? Whatever the challenging situation is that they are going through, stand behind them, be there for them, and give them all the support in the world.

No relationship is perfect, but every relationship can be strong with a little help! What are some ways you have improved your relationship?