Communication

• It's hard to understand each other if daily communication is nonexistent, or if it's just limited to small talk and the same old conversational topics each day. Instead of always asking the same things, broaden what you talk to your partner about. In doing so you may discover new interests, and you should at least have a stimulating conversation. Ultimately, you're aiming to really understand your partner, and this means communicating as fully as possible.
  
  

Change

• Relationships can get stale pretty quickly, and when routines set in and you and your partner get caught in the same daily activities, your relationship can no longer seem exciting. You may soon lose interest. The trick is to keep things fresh by implementing change wherever and whenever possible. This change could come in the form of a new hobby that you both do together, or else it could be as basic as adjusting what you have for dinner each night of the week. Your aim is to return to the same sense of meaning and excitement you had when you first met.
  
  

Setbacks

• Every couple encounters a setback at some point. This could take the form of learning something about your partner that you initially feel you'll be unable to stand, or it might be something out of your control, such as a financial matter. Either way, setbacks have the potential to ruin relationships if you allow them to. Meaningful relationships don't result easily though, so take comfort in this and work your hardest to overcome setbacks, remembering that they don't necessarily spell the end.
  
  

Listening

• Alongside communication, remember that conversation between you and your partner is a two-way thing, so make sure you listen as often as you speak. Sometimes listening involves actually sitting down and letting your partner speak what's on her mind; you might learn something new that will help you reach a meaningful relationship. At other times, listening may just involve judging your partner's body language and knowing when to give her space.
  
  

Honesty

• Keeping your relationship honest helps to create meaning, since you and your partner will be able to place utter trust in everything each of you says. Admitting your mistakes to your partner is just one way of creating an honest environment. An honest relationship is one that's built on a strong foundation and is thus unlikely to break easily.