How to Keep a Relationship Alive By Susan “Honey” Good Our lives are filled with several types of relationships. LetΓÇÖs talk about the relationships with our partners, children, grandchildren and girlfriends. This will be a short survey on what I have learned over the years. Here are some keywords that keep my relationships alive and well! PARTNERS Attention: Your partner should always come first. I learned this from my mother as I observed how she treated my father. He came first, even ahead of my brother and me. She was correct ΓÇô we eventually left the nest. Romance: Tell your husband you love him. I tell my husband I love him every day and many days I tell him more than once. Also, dress for your husband. Praise: Men like to have their mane patted. Come to think of it,┬áeveryone does. Give praise. Appreciation: DonΓÇÖt take anything for granted. I thank my husband for something daily, even if itΓÇÖs the smallest thing. Argue: Fight fair! Love: Hold hands at the movies. Kiss one another goodnight. CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN Unconditional love: GRANDmothers are safe love, always. Be a safe haven for your grandchildren. Time and not money: Send emails and texts during the week, especially if you live apart. Be the one to make the phone call every Sunday so it becomes a habit. Money will bring love for a moment, but time will bring love for a lifetime. Support: Always validate your grandchildrenΓÇÖs feelings. You must think about how you felt at their age. Pass on family traditions and history: Grandchildren love to learn about the history and traditions of their family. Tell them stories with a message and make the stories exciting or thought provoking. Stay young at heart: You shouldnΓÇÖt act like an old fuddy-duddy with your grandchildren. ┬áYou should be up to date on fashion, technology and their special interests. Values and wisdom: This is your ultimate responsibility as a GRANDmother. Leave your grandchildren with valuable knowledge. They will remember what you taught them. GIRLFRIENDS Trust: Prove you are trustworthy. The normal rule of thought, ΓÇ£If you tell one person, it is no longer a secret.ΓÇ¥ Prove your trustworthiness to your friends. Maintenance: Make an effort. Remember, friendships take a lot of tender loving care. Share: Share activities and intellectual interests with your close friends. Like-minded: Choose women who have similar qualities of character. Self-disclosure:┬á Disclose who you really are. It is a vulnerable feeling, but will create a true bond. Do something good today ΓÇö tell those you care about that you love them. Susan “Honey” Good is the founder of┬áHoneyGood.com┬áwhere this blog originally appeared. The site is a collection of lessons learned, life advice and insights from not only her, but from a fantastic group of contributing writers, each adding their own spice to the recipe.┬áHoney Good.com representing ΓÇ£a family tree of┬áwomenΓÇ¥ — wives, mothers, daughters, granddaughters, mothers-in-law, daughters-in-law, sisters, aunts, cousins and girlfriends — coming together to talk about what┬ámakes them tick as well as what they have in common. Honey Good discusses┬álife experiences with wisdom, humor and intellect, enabling all┬áto attain┬áa “Honey Good Style of Life.ΓÇ¥