How can I strengthen my relationship with my partner?

Don't wait until your relationship is out of gas, has dirty oil, and needs the tires rotated before getting a tune-up. See a counselor. If either one of you doesn't like your counselor, find a new one.

Mark off your calendar for date nights, and plan to talk honestly about your relationship. Do both of you respect each other's dreams and goals? Do you both feel supported and loved? Write down five things you love for your partner to do for you.

Seek out the wisdom of a great therapist, marriage counselor, or sex counselor on a regular basis instead of when your relationship is falling apart. Sadly enough, most of us end up in couples counseling only when some great pain or betrayal has almost shattered our relationship.

Get out into nature with your partner. Find a common source of fun in nature. Can you both play tennis, ride horses, hike, boat, or camp? Discover a hobby you both can share and grow old together doing. When times get stressed in your relationship it is a great comfort to have created a space where you both have played together.

Celebrating eating together can be a glue for your relationship. Discover great, intimate restaurants where you know the staff and become a regular. You are creating memories and participating in a powerful, rich ritual that develops intimacy with your partner.

Regularly try new restaurants and experiment with new cuisines. These small details of a relationship make life fun and exciting. Keep fit. As we age some of us let our bodies go and don't keep up a healthy lifestyle. You will feel more sexual, attractive, and powerful if you keep your body fit. You may want to exercise or work out with your partner on a regular basis. Your home is your nest and a source of great joy and happiness. A clean and orderly home creates grounding and a sense of safety, Discuss what styles of home decoration you both enjoy and love. Share your thoughts on home design and landscaping. You are building a life together, and integrating your ideas will create a resilient home that will be a source of power and grounding in the tough times.

Share your beliefs with your partner on your faith, religion, or spirituality. Life is very difficult, and sharing your faith with your partner is crucial for a long-term relationship. Practicing meditation, doing yoga, worshiping, or studying your faith together will bring strength and resilience in your relationship and in your life.