“We just don’t have anything in common any more.” That’s what one of my long-lost (read: found on Facebook) friends says about her marriage of over ten years, which is now over. I wish I could be smug about it and think that will never happen to me - but I’ve been around long enough to know that’s not the case. So one of my resolutions is to put a bit more time and effort into keeping in touch - really in touch; not just scheduling and parenting - with my spouse.
But I’m intensely curious to know how people really do it. And I happen to have a 50 ml bottom of Calvin Klein’s euphoria for men (eau de toilette spray) on my desk to give away. So I’m asking you to share your tip in the comments (before midnight, eastern standard time, January 16 2010) and include your email address in the appropriate field (it will not appear on the blog!). I’ll pick a winner at random. So post your tip! Remember that the blog comments are on moderation, so it may take a day for your comment to appear - but it is not lost. 
Comments are now closed and the winner is - by random selection - comment #23! Thank you all so much for the fantastic tips; I’ll be turning them into a blog post soon - Jenn
The best thing we ever did as a couple was schedule a once-a-week date night with a standing booking for a babysitter included. We were happy. The babysitter was happy. Our daughter was happy.
Comment by Lou — January 12, 2010 @ 6:06 pm
My tip to keep a relationship together is don’t forget the laughter in your day to day life. The couple that laughs together stay’s together!
Comment by cc — January 12, 2010 @ 6:31 pm
From 29 years experience, I believe being respectful of each other is most important. You don’t always have to agree or even like each other in the moment, however respecting each other’s ideas and feelings is a must.
That also means everyday manners too.
Comment by J Harvey — January 12, 2010 @ 6:49 pm
Go for a walk together every evening.
Comment by Rick Swanson — January 12, 2010 @ 7:14 pm
Don’t sweat the small stuff…LOL…or at least make him sweat it with you…laugh at most things…
Comment by kathy asham — January 12, 2010 @ 7:56 pm
Never, ever, ever go to bed angry.
Comment by Cameron North — January 12, 2010 @ 7:59 pm
Have coffee time together every day
Comment by JIM — January 12, 2010 @ 8:04 pm
My tip for a great relationship, is always treat each other good, do things together and have respect. I find that if you don’t give any reason for your partner not to trust you , you will have a great relationship
Comment by laurel — January 12, 2010 @ 8:16 pm
take some time every day to make your partner feel wanted/loved. it goes far and can be as simple as saying you are so happy they are home from work with a big smile on your face.
Comment by astro — January 12, 2010 @ 8:17 pm
It’s best to remember that you each have your own thoughts and even your own friends. It helps to keep your relationship alive and interesting.
Comment by Lynda — January 12, 2010 @ 9:04 pm
Trust is number 1, if you can’t trust him, don’t be with him.
Comment by Maria G. — January 12, 2010 @ 9:08 pm
Never ever go to bed mad!!! No matter what talk the problem out before going to sleep, you will get a good sleep and start the day new.
Comment by Doris C — January 12, 2010 @ 9:15 pm
Laugh, love and compromise. Make time for one another always, even if its only a few minutes. We are all busy, but those who are truly important, should always come first. That includes yourself.
I’m into my 32nd year, the road has had its share of pot holes, but we’re still together.
Comment by Terri — January 12, 2010 @ 10:25 pm
People need to separate their partner as a person from their partner’s behaviour. Disagreements should focus on the other person’s hurtful behaviour without attacking that person’s character. For example, “I still love you, but it’s unacceptable for you to do X.”
Comment by Kerry — January 12, 2010 @ 10:29 pm
Communication…communication, it’s all about sharing franckly and honestly. No matter what (sexuality, work, family), finding the way to better communicate is the key to a true and long lasting relationship that grows bigger and better as years go by.
Comment by Jean-Francois Poirier — January 12, 2010 @ 10:38 pm
Before getting married, my hubby and I made a pact NEVER to argue about money–we’ve stuck to that, and seven years later, our relationship is still rock solid!
Comment by R. Siddiqui — January 13, 2010 @ 5:54 am
Don’t have a T.V in the bedroom!!
The bedroom is a place for talking and intimacy, you don’t need Jay Leno talking you to sleep everynight!!!
Comment by jamie-lee harrison — January 13, 2010 @ 8:31 am
Very early in my relationship with John, I established a way to discuss issues where we had different opinions. As a result, we have never had an argument. We respect each others opinions and listen to what each other has to say. If one of us is upset about something or a comment that the other made, we clearly explain what upset us and why. We have a terrific relationship as a result and continuously reinforce it with positive feedback for each other.
Comment by Colleen C — January 13, 2010 @ 9:07 am
The main thing to realize is that you’re two separate people, not one, like all the wedding magazines tell you. Don’t lose your identity, keep doing what makes you special and don’t give up hobbies and events just because they’re not HIS cup of tea. I tried too hard in the beginning to please him and you know what, I lost myself! Hell didn’t freeze over when I said “no”. That’s was huge for our relationship. It’s true that you should encircle each other and not smother each other!
Comment by sharon — January 13, 2010 @ 9:56 am
Respect the reasonable freedom. Communicate the desires. Going out together at weekend.
Comment by winky — January 13, 2010 @ 10:31 am
we always say we love each other and we are always kissing. even if we are mad at each other.
Comment by Lorie Collins — January 13, 2010 @ 10:37 am
we always say love you and always kiss even when we are mad at each other. oh and hug.
Comment by Lorie Collins — January 13, 2010 @ 10:40 am
My husband and I don’t argue very often and if we do have a serious discussion we try to remain calm and under control. We very seldom yell at each other and try to reason with each other if we disagree-so compromise is always our best strategy. We have been married for 43 years and so far we are still madly in love with each other!!
Comment by Sheila Kawahara — January 13, 2010 @ 10:41 am
Treat your partner with respect,so often I hear other couples speak to each other with short abrupt answers,So uncool!!!!!!!People that would never talk to friends that way, but don’t give a second thought about how they talk to those they love. Big misstake,little things can mean everything!!!!! Respect each other, even when you are angry,you will never regret being respectful.
Comment by Susan Kelly-dupuis — January 13, 2010 @ 11:58 am
Talk out your problem,s,Don,t let them build up in side.Also love each other often.
Comment by Richard Corkum — January 13, 2010 @ 12:03 pm
Great relationship tip-
when ever you have dispute,talk clearly don’t chew incidents,facts ,talk everything and clearly.It’s possible you will see more anger and argument but believe me after this automatically your relationship will be happily ever after !
Comment by chandra — January 13, 2010 @ 2:24 pm
Always keep a surprise hidden rolled under your sleeve. My husband and I never stopped doing simple “something” that makes us more stronger and happy at all times. Courtship days still continues considering we’ve been together for 14 years.
Comment by C. Manabat — January 13, 2010 @ 2:35 pm
Make time for each other; make time for your friends & then share news/ideas/with each other daily. Now that we are 2 again - kidlets on their way - we are making a concerted effort to go somewhere once a week together - movies, walk, show, exhibition, meal - variety is the key to spice!
Comment by Kay — January 13, 2010 @ 4:35 pm
Having respect for each other has helped in maintaining a stronger relationship…and being honest with one another too. We don’t believe in holding grudges either…what’s the point?
Comment by Lori — January 13, 2010 @ 6:37 pm
Communication! My husband and I make a point of talking about everything as soon as the kids are in bed. Wether it’s good or bad. And we never go to bed angry at each other. everything gets resolved before bed time!
Comment by Josie — January 13, 2010 @ 7:02 pm
Pick me, pick me. Your next winner!!. I need a perfume to cover my smell.
Comment by Edmond Leung — January 13, 2010 @ 11:07 pm
[…] Giveaway: Great relationship tips - More Daily - More.ca http://www.more.ca/blog/2010/01/12/giveaway-great-relationship-tips – view page – cached “We just don’t have anything in common any more.” That’s what one of my long-lost (re: found on Facebook) friends says about her marriage of over ten years, which is now over. I wish I could be smug about it and think that will never happen to me - but I’ve been around long enough to know that’s not the case. So one of my resolutions is to put a bit more time and effort into keeping… Read more“We just don’t have anything in common any more.” That’s what one of my long-lost (re: found on Facebook) friends says about her marriage of over ten years, which is now over. I wish I could be smug about it and think that will never happen to me - but I’ve been around long enough to know that’s not the case. So one of my resolutions is to put a bit more time and effort into keeping in touch - really in touch; not just scheduling and parenting - with my spouse. View page […]
Pingback by Twitter Trackbacks for Giveaway: Great relationship tips - More Daily - More.ca [more.ca] on Topsy.com — January 14, 2010 @ 1:03 am
Ease up on the unreasonable expectations…your partner is not superman any more than you are superwoman…time takes it’s toll on us all but think of that as a good thing, retrace all the steps it’s taken you to get to where you are today and take comfort in embracing the remaining steps with your partner who has walked by your side along this wonderful life journey…
Comment by Jo-Anne — January 14, 2010 @ 9:40 am
I put myself in my husband’s place and try to imagine how tired he must be after he gets home from work. It makes me appreciate him more. I also think of the good things he has done for me when I am mad at him. It makes me calm down and forgive him easily.
Comment by Burcu — January 15, 2010 @ 1:02 pm
We sometimes read the same books. It’s nice to talk about them, and think about the subject from a different perspective. Our discussions remind us how we are both the same and different. It’s great when we find a really good read that we can both thoroughly enjoy.
Comment by Adina H. — January 16, 2010 @ 2:25 am
Having a sense of humor is a must. Sometimes life throws you curveballs & keeping a positive attitude & being able to laugh really help maintain a relationship. Respect for each other is a biggie too.
We’ve been married thirty years and these two things have helped us maintain our sanity.
Comment by Julie — January 17, 2010 @ 4:57 pm