4. Resolve conflict quickly. It is hard to say you are sorry in heat of an argument. In some ways it is easier to have a fight and go into your separate corners. But unresolved conflict, or conflict that lingers, fosters long-term hurt and resentment. It's ok to disagree. But it's important to find a resolution quickly.

5. Keep romance alive. In a long-term relationship, romance is not something that happens automatically most of time. Everyday pressures and time constraints have a tendency to rob us of spontaneity. Romance needs to be consciously created. Remember that romance will keep your relationship fresh and exciting and will keep two of you close. Take turns creating romance intentionally.

Your Relationship Coach, Rinatta Paries www.WhatItTakes.com

(c) Rinatta Paries, 1998-2002. Do you know how to attract your ideal mate? Do you know how to build a fulfilling relationship, or how to reinvent yours to meet your needs? Relationship Coach Rinatta Paries can teach you skills and techniques to attract and sustain long-term, healthy partnerships. Visit www.WhatItTakes.com where you'll find quizzes, classes, advice and a free weekly ezine. Become a "true love magnet(tm)!"

5. Floating Goals - These goals are floating around in your head, usually masquerading as a wish list. I call these floating goals, because they're not rooted in reality. Writing down goals (and strategies and actions) takes them out of *wishing* category to "real" category. It's no longer just a pipe dream in your head. It's a goal, with a strategy, and actions associated with it. You know what you want, and you know how to get it. If it's written down, you simply filter all decision (big and small) through your goals.does it contribute to my goal, or contaminate it? Example: You have a goal to write a best selling romance novel, with a strategy of writing one chapter each week for 36 weeks, and your action is to spend 1 hour per day towards each chapter. If you don't schedule - AND PROTECT - that 1 hour each day, it's more than likely that you'll get to end of each week wondering why you didn't get more done.

6. Blind Goals -- No matter how nicely laid out goals, strategies, and actions are.if you don't SEE them and review them, and let them become part of who and what you are and do, on a daily basis, you'll lose track of them. The job, errands, latest TV show, worrying about money, worrying about kids, worrying about economy will all crowd out your time, thoughts, and energy. They may remain in back of your mind, but you won't gear your life towards them. Post them on 'fridge, in car, on back door, on bathroom mirror.anywhere that you'll see them regularly.