This article was published on April 28th, 2015

Relationships are incredibly difficult to manage. From the first date, preferences are set and rules begin to form, sometimes knowingly, other times not. Instead of staying the course and hoping for the best, it’s time you look at some new ways to improve your gay relationship. Hopefully this advice will help.

1. It can’t always be your way, your not always right, and you don’t always have to have the right answer. Pick your battles. Respect each other. It’s better to find a solution that works for both partners. Yes, sometimes that means you don’t always get what you want, and that’s OK.
2. Share your feelings openly. Update each other on what’s happening. Don’t keep secrets. Being open and honest is the key to every relationship. Try it. It works!
3. Set realistic expectations. If you know there are things that you just can’t commit to, you need to be open and honest about it. Don’t commit to something that you can’t live by. Try to reach agreements on things that are deal-breakers early on, and table topics that are less important for another time.
4. Re-evaluate rules. Many rules are set at the beginning of relationships. As time progresses, some rules may need to be re-evaluated and discussed openly. This can be something as simple as household chores to monogamy. As relationships mature, many situations chance, and it’s ok to adjust and make changes along the way, as long as both partners are in agreement.
5. Go out on dates. Making time for each other is really important. Dating first brought you together. It was when you got to learn a lot about each other, and how the spark ignited into a wonderful relationship. Keep the passion burning steady by spending quality time together.
6. Let bygones be bygones. Yes, mistakes and accidents happen. No relationship is ever perfect. Don’t hold it over your partner forever. Make an agreement that when the discussion is over, the problem resides in the past. If the problem is persistent and continues, then it’s a different situation. But if the turkey was burnt once on Christmas dinner, don’t make it a big deal each and every year. People learn from their mistakes. Get over it.
7. Try positive reinforcement. Motivation and encouragement goes a long ways. It works in the office, and it works at home too! People love to hear positive comments on the work that they have done. Help give your partner a moral boost!
8. Vacation together. Vacations are really tough on relationships. It’s a true test of how strong the relationship is. You will be together 24 hours a day, making decisions non-stop that will impact the rest of the day, and possibly the trip. It forces you to work together, as a team.
9. Make sex, sexier. Trying new things is a lot of fun, especially when you need to freshen up a rather dull sex life. From leather to underwear, to roll playing and toys, you never know what might reignite the spark of passion in the bedroom.

Do you have some helpful advice to help struggling couples? Leave your tips in the comments section below.