Savvy Ways to Communicate With Your Mate, Lover or Significant Other

1. Love yourself.

It is impossible to love anyone, unless you truly love yourself first.

2. Make the commitment.

Affirm your importance and significance to each other and never negate it. If an event or situation arises that requires a decision, it should be discussed before a final answer is given.

3. Express appreciation and affection daily.

Think of yourselves as "diamond miners" digging through the rough to find the good (the diamond) in each other. By doing so, you will build each other psychologically and satisfy one of the deepest needs that everyone has, the need to be appreciated.

4. Re-examine your perspective.

Some of the traits that may irritate you about your mate are actually good qualities carried to the extreme. Bossiness can be viewed as leadership. Having a lack of emotion is desired and required for an excellent mediator. This does not give one the right to be bossy or repress emotional expression. It enables you to overlook the extreme, should the occasional occurrence arise.

5. Share positive communication.

Keep the conversation positive, not hostile. Never assume you know the answer or interrupt while another is speaking. This will enhance the ability to share thoughts, promote respect and feel cherished. Positive communication builds trust, the foundation for all lasting relationships.

6. Spend as much time together as possible.

This will vary based on schedules, but do attempt more than once per week. Quantity counts as much as quality does when it comes to forming a lasting bond.

7. Nurture romance and well-being.

At least once a week, take the time to indulge each other with the following:

· Give each other a 30 minute massage
· Take a bubble bath by candle light (wine & champagne are optional)
· Give each other a foot or hand massage
· Serve breakfast in bed
· Dance in a candlelit room while listening to soft music

8. Deal with stress constructively.

Realize that crises encourage unity, making bonds more powerful. Never take conflict personally and realize that disagreements aren't personal. Discussions when angry are not acceptable and should never be tolerated.

9. Laugh more.

There is humor in any situation! Laughter will ease those awkward and/or embarrassing moments. It makes “the hard pills in life” much easier to swallow.

10. Review your progress in thirty days - your achievement will surprise you.

The most important, savvy thing to remember – never settle for ordinary because life’s extraordinary!