Finetune Your Love Life
By: Gretchen Bolander
Updated: February 16, 2012
JOPLIN, MO--"It's as easy to fall in love as it is to fall off a rock but it takes a lot of work daily to sustain the relationship." And Ozark Center Psychologist Dr. Charlotte Trautman says you can start by making it a point to plan joint activities, no matter how small. "Plan a meal, go to the grocery store together, work in the kitchen together, clean up afterwards, those become memorable events."
Discussing finances is also a top priority, according to Trautman. "One of the reasons couples have trouble is that they're not on the same page. They're not even in the same book when it comes to their finances."
Dr. Trautman says couples need to develop joint goals for the future - 5 or 10 years out ... even as far out as retirement. She also points out it's not a good idea to compare yourself to other couples. "What looks like a perfect relationship for the couple next door we don't know ever know for sure what goes on behind closed doors."
And if you are having issues, seek counseling. "A lot of people think that if you go to get help, that it's a sign of weakness. I see it as a sign of strength."
