How to Stay Happy and Content in a Relationship

A relationship, whether it be a casual dating arrangement, moving in with your partner, or even getting engaged/married, can be a tremendously powerful force of good.

Your partner can be both a lover and an advisor, but you want to make sure the relationship goes smoothly. You want your girlfriend, boyfriend, wife, or husband to feel that the relationship is good for both of you -- and balanced. The tips below will keep your relationship fun, fresh, and exciting even if you have been together for years

Respect privacy: Just because you are living together doesn't automatically give you the right to search through your partner's "private" box of childhood valuables or to rifle through his or her private financial transactions. Great relationships stay strong when both partners trust each other enough to not pry and invade the privacy of the other. When you are curious about something, simply ask!

Communicate openly and often: Couples who communicate well tend to have less problems. Frequent communication is key to working out disagreements early on and strengthening the relationship. If you have a problem with something your partner is doing or saying, rather than "bottling up" that resentment, tell him or her what's up. Letting your discomfort build up to a boiling point is never recommended. Keeping unnecessary secrets from your partner is another big no-no.

Keep things exciting: While some routines, such as a favorite restaurant for weekend brunch, are fine to repeat again and again, it is important to keep an element of newness. Spice up your relationship by going on a vacation to a city you've never been to before -- try a restaurant the two of you have been meaning to visit, but haven't yet. Also change responsibilities from time to time; if she normally drops the dry cleaning off, ask one week if she wants you to do it. Play around with swapping roles at home; if you normally walk the dog in the morning, let her do it for a week so you can relax and wake up slowly to your favorite morning TV show.

Avoid jealousy: Don't become jealous of your partner's time -- he or she has friends. Let them spend as much time as they want with their friends. Don't become over-controlling or demand to know where your partner is at all hours of the day. (Some independence is a hallmark of a healthy relationship.)

Consider doing activities with other couples: When you go out with another couple, it avoids the dreaded "third wheel" phenomenon where your friend feels a bit left out because he or she isn't in the relationship. Go out to dinner or go on a double-date to a movie. (Naturally, pick a couple who are exciting and spunky. Just because you are in a relationship doesn't mean you need to start hanging out with dull people!)

The main key is trust, and acceptance. No partner is perfect, but excellent communication and a trusting attitude can take things from good to great, or from great to long-term.