Five ways to enhance your relationship with your partner

Tip 1 If you give your partner or spouse a task, give them the opportunity to do it. Don't hover around them or nag until they do it. Simply make the request and leave them to attend to it. If they don't carry out the task, rather than complaining, do it yourself.
     If you're asked to do a similar task in the future, remind them of what was requested previously.

Tip 2 If your spouse or partner completes a task you gave them, focus on the fact that they actually completed it instead of complaining that that they didn't do it exactly the way you wanted it to be done. It's important to reward the effort rather than the results. This will also encourage them to help you out more. You can always work together to refine the output.

Tip 3 If your spouse or partner complains about lack of sexual contact, suggest putting energy back in other ways. They can carry out certain chores such as doing the laundry or washing dishes - then you'll have enough energy to give back. Reward their positive energy with some hot love making.

Tip 4 Always remember to be polite when making requests. Too often we take our spouses for granted and don't show the same level of courtesy we show strangers or co-workers.

Tip 5 Criticism, complaining, nagging, blaming and contempt are the five deadly horsemen that slowly kill a relationship. Contempt in a relationship is the number one predictor of divorce so steer clear of it!

All in the Family Counselling, Tel: 9030 7239, www.allinthefamilycounselling.com

Posted Sept 2011