A relationship, much like rush-hour traffic on a Friday evening, requires large amounts of patience, determination and smart maneuvering. Some of us were born good drivers, others manage by the skin of our bumpers. For those of us in need of a defensive driving course or two, here are five pieces of advice for the road that work just as well as on Lovers' Lane. 5 Simple Signs Your Relationship Needs A Tune-Up

1. Venting doesn't really achieve anything other than a hoarse voice. It is a big misconception that venting one's anger reduces it. According to an … Read More

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes decades of time together strewn with a minefield of potential relationship wreckers. It's a wonder that anyone ends up walking off into the sunset, hand-in-wrinkled-hand, with a silver-haired mate. What do those geriatric lovebirds know that you don't?

Well, the truth is that even in so-called happy marriages, both partners probably fantasize some of the time—or even much of the time—about throwing in the towel. A new Woman's Day and AOL Living poll found that a shocking 72 percent of women surveyed have considered leaving their husbands at some point. But despite the … Read More

Making your mark in the business world requires for plenty of sacrifices, but one thing that should never be sacrificed is the goal of maintaining a healthy, loving relationship. The constant support of a devoted partner can spell the difference between calmly weathering the never-relenting storms of the workplace and washing up on shore like a sickly sea creature. As you methodically build your kingdom, keep the four next tips in mind, for they will help ensure that you'll have a contented lover sitting happily beside your throne. 7 Ways To Stay Happy (All Year Long)

1. Get them … Read More

The practice of "marrying up" might be looked down upon by some, but when you're talking age, it might be the key to a happy marriage. A recent study showed that the couples who were happiest and had the lowest divorce rate were those where the woman was at least five years younger than her husband -- and when she's better educated. More from Lemondrop: A Rose a Day Keeps the Divorce Lawyer Away

There is a pervasive myth in our society that a good marriage is like living on easy street. People have the misperception that there's never or rarely any tension in a happy marriage. In my experience, nothing could be further from the truth. But one thing that separates a good marriage from a bad one is the willingness of both partners to communicate openly, especially when it would be more comfortable to clam up and shut down. How To Communicate Effectively
I've been married for eighteen years. During that time, we had one tremendously rough patch in which … Read More

The discussion of the trials and tribulations of long-distance relationships is not a new one. Some swear a couple can survive the distance while others refuse to entertain the possibility that two people can stay connected when there is significant mileage between them. I used to be a bit of a compulsive long-distance dater. My first two serious relationships were with British boys, which would soon later develop into a habit of only getting involved with foreign guys. Until recently I never questioned if getting involved in a relationship which is destined to be mostly long-distance was … Read More

It is possible to share too much.

One of the best perks of working on this site is getting to hear other people's love stories. All too often, I think we believe in a myth of how love is supposed to work. But in truth, it works differently for different people. Love is not a rigid set of dos and dont's, rather its a process of committment, hope, failure, and getting up and trying again. In response to "12 Relationship Red Flags" Raymond James Thibault shows us how love worked and didn't work for him:

Road trips can be full of adventure and discovery, from figuring out where the nearest available bathroom is to finding the cheapest diner. As Timesunion.com points out, a road trip can be the perfect way to bond with your partner, using those long uninterrupted hours to uncover the name of his imaginary childhood friend or finally getting him to spill about his secret dream to be on Dancing With The Stars. Read: DWTS: Passion On The Dance Floor…And Off?
 
Be warned, however. Road trips can also be long, tiring, and bring out the grouch in everyone. Here is … Read More

These real-life couples have been in the marriage trenches and they're still laughing, smiling, having a ball. Here, their secrets to making love last for the long haul.