Start your day right. Die first (to self) and enhance all of your relationships. Die to self (who you are by nature) by asking the Holy Spirit to make your decision a reality. Do this daily.
Friends first. The quality of a couples' friendship determines the marriage.
Have a realistic budget. Work hard at staying out of debt. Finances, sex, religion and in-laws are the top-four relationship busters. But financial issues trump all the others.
No relationship is ever 50-50. Give 100 percent. And don't worry about who does more.
Don't stonewall. Stonewalling is one of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, not a relationship builder. Listen — maybe she's got a point.
Practice patience. When she apologizes for making you late (again), say "You're worth waiting for."
Don't flirt. If you're in a relationship, flirting is stupid, hurtful and immature — don't do it!
Don't be needy or controlling. Overly needy and controlling people cannot have successful relationships.
Have daily prayer. Prayer can bring couples together, but if she doesn't want to pray with you, don't make it an issue.
Make eye contact and smile. Like you did on your first date. Don't forget to hug. Football and hockey players do it. Why can't you, Mr. Tough Guy?
* Read more suggestions in Mike Jones' recent book, Help, Lord, I Blew It Again, available through the Adventist Book Center.
