10 tips for relationship satisfaction

6. Balance the work and the rewards
Trade off household duties every now and then. It will help you and your partner feel you are in a balanced relationship. If you are in a partnership where one of you works and the other takes care of the home and children, you need to make sure the stay-at-home partner has equal access to the household income.

7. Help each other to grow and learn
Encourage your partner to be open to new experiences. People who are not growing do not feel good about themselves, and this will cause them to feel they are bringing less into their relationship.

8. Give your partner the opportunity to be their best
When you know that your partner takes pride in certain tasks or endeavors, support them in succeeding at those things. Remember that greatness in any one area leads to greatness in all areas.

9. Balance the work and the rewards
If you know that your partner has difficulty talking with the accountant, dealing with the phone company, or performing other tasks of living, take on that responsibility. If your partner responds to certain forms of kindness or affection, offer those gifts.

10. Keep it interesting
Do nice things for no reason. Greet your partner with enthusiasm when you see them at the end of the day, and keep some spontaneity in the relationship.

 Page 2 of 2 -- Find out how you can make your relationship more meaningful on page 1.

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Excerpted from Emotional Fitness for Couples by Barton Goldsmith, Ph.D. Copyright 2005 by Barton Goldsmith. Excerpted with permission by New Harbinger Publications. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.