Dear Straight from the Hearter,

What does it take to make a relationship last? The couples I have interviewed have told me that it starts with common values and having a commitment to stay in the relationship and ride the storms together. Good communication is essential. It's easier to open your hearts to each other when you create a safe refuge in your relationship to do so. This takes acceptance of both yourself  AND who your partner is. Focusing on what's right vs. what's wrong. Remember that whatever we put our attention to grows. What seeds do you want to water?

Sometimes our love gets bottlenecked in hurt, resentment and fear and we find it hard to break through to the all the love underneath that's longing for expression. Love begets love. So, it's time to overcome all the resistance to love and stretch those love muscles. 

Here are some tips on how to expand your capacity to love and deepen the connection in your relationships:

	Create special times to be together and then guard and protect those times.
	Leave time daily for you and your mate to talk, dream, share and be together.
	Say "I Love You" at least once a day.
	Give two compliments a day or more.
	Tell your partner what you appreciate about him/her at least once a week.
	Take time for two-20 second kisses a day (minimum).
	Greet each other fondly when you come together.
	Always touch your partner when you leave.
	Send one love note each week to your mate.
	Take turns planning an adventure.
	Have three sessions of planned Intimacy weekly.
	Have a surprise for each other once a month.
	Go out and play together.
	Add to this list together.

This list is from: "How to Make Love All The Time" by Dr. Barbara de Angelis  
MORE INFO / PURCHASE

To Love Article

Straight from the Heart Shows  With Related Topics: Living Love, Releasing Fear Gerald Jampolsky The Psychology of Romantic Love  Nathaniel Branden Rules for Loving Cherie Carter Scott The Future of Love  Daphne Rose Kingma Love Types Daphne Rose Kingma Conscious Intimacy  Robert Waldman Yearners & Protectors  Donna Goodman Talking it Out Donna Goodman  Positive Partnering  Lynn Ianni Soulmates  Carolyn Miller Simply Loving  Janet Luhrs A Roadmap to Intimacy  Lynn Ianni

BOOKS  If you are interested in this topic here's some books and authors you might like: (Click on Author's Name to find out about these books and more.)     "Born for Love: Reflections on Loving" "Loving Each Other" "Love" "Living, Loving, Learning" Leo Buscaglia "How to Make Love All the Time"  "Are You The One For Me?" "Real Moments" "Real Moments for Lovers" "Secrets About Men Every Woman Should Know" Dr. Barbara DeAngelis "Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples" "Keeping the Love You Find: A Guide for Singles" Harville Hendrix, Ph.D. "Forgiveness" "Love Is Letting Go of Fear" Gerald Jampolsky "Love Types" "The Future of Love: The Power of Soul in Intimate Relationships" "A Garland of Love" "Heart and Soul" "Finding True Love" "The Nine Types of Lovers" Daphne Rose Kingma "Embracing the Beloved: Relationship as a Path of Awakening" Stephen and Ondrea Levine "Simple Loving" Janet Luhrs The Couple's Comfort Book: A Creative Guide for Renewing Passion, Pleasure, & Commitment" Jennifer Louden "Loving Relationships: The Secrets of a Great Relationship" "I Deserve Love" Sondra Ray "If Love is a Game, These are the Rules" Cherie Carter Scott "The Art of Staying Together: Embracing Love, Intimacy and Spirit in Relationships" Mark Robert Waldman, Editor "A Return to Love" Marianne Williamson