Relationship. It’s a big word both literally and figuratively. It takes two people to make it work and ardently we try. We face it, go through it, fight it out, scream, love, remind, appreciate, play, text, poke and try to work it through. There are always some things better avoided while you are in one. Some things we do unconsciously and the ones we term ‘normal’ can have serious long term damages to our relationship.

1. Have a life. Doing things independently and by yourself sends out a message that you don’t have to spend every breathing moment with your partner. This makes your partner value you more for yes, being independent and having a life.

2. Get to know each other’s friends and try to be comfortable around them. At the same time, don’t neglect and ditch your own friends. When a relationship heads down, you’ll need their support.

3. Respect is very crucial. Mutual respect even more. Don’t indulge in things that will make your partner loose respect for you.

4. Space, space, space. While it’s great you guys are together, there’s no need to suffocate each other with umpteen texts and calling each other every 9 minutes.

5. Loosen up a bit and don’t take yourself too seriously. Likewise, don’t give him flak because he glanced at an attractive girl and he shouldn’t get a paranoid attack if his girl thinks the waiter at a party is cute or she digs Tom Cruise.

6. Don’t indulge in guessing games. Thinking your partner will decipher the hidden meaning behind “it’s okay if we don’t go out for my birthday” will lead to conflicts later. Be open and upfront about issues and needs.

7. Don’t go to sleep angry and over a fight. It’s been said a million times through all forms of communication available over ages.

8. Make efforts to sustain closeness. It’s not something that happens by itself. People drift apart and tend to indulge in affairs because of lack of closeness.

9. Have self respect and self esteem. These should never be eroded, especially in a relationship.

10. Apologize. Repair attempts are very essential for a relationship. This can be in a funny, sarcastic or corny way. Attempting to make things right is what counts for the long run and a happy relationship.