Seven Basic Steps to Maintaining a Good Relationship

1.      Be aware of what you and your partner want for yourselves and what     
   you want from the relationship.

2.      Let one another know what your needs are.

3.      Realize that your partner will not be able to meet all of your needs.
   Some of these needs will have to be met outside the relationship.

4.      Be willing to negotiate and compromise on the things you want from
   one another.

5.      Do not demand that a partner change to meet all your expectations.
   Work to accept the differences that you see between your ideal and the
   reality.

6.      Try to see things from the other's point of view. This doesn't mean that
   you must agree with one another, but rather that you can expect yourself
   and your partner to understand and respect your differences, your   
   points of view and your separate needs.

7.      Where critical differences exist in your expectations, needs, opinions or
   views, try to negotiate.

Back to Top