When routine dulls your relationship, speak up, instead of blaming and resenting.

One partner’s job/city move shouldn’t be decided as a one-sided benefit or loss.

Parents should never trust that their “secret lives” will remain hidden from their children.

If you suspect or witness abuse of a friend or relative who feels trapped, find and provide information on getting help.

More suggestions and support for escaping abuse appear in tomorrow’s Part Two column.

With very difficult “friends,” change their opportunities to upset your life.

Criticism and pressure divide couples rather than create compromises and deeper bonds.

The busy, early years can build a longer, deeper connection.

An age gap is only as relevant as both people feel, or as circumstances enforce.

Relationships that don’t address unfair financial arrangements, usually build damaging resentments.v

Post-separation harmony should be appreciated, rather than over-analyzed.

Asking the questions that matter to you about your relationship can build deeper understanding.

An understanding loving spouse can use a partner’s daydreams to bolster their own relationship.

When sexual interest changes dramatically, check medical causes, as well as relationship ones.

Relying on erotic massage parlours may indicate discomfort with intimacy.

Comparing your relationship to a partner’s past one, can holds back its growth.

Seek specialized therapy for hoarding disorder.

Dog ownership calls for a responsible commitment to training, exercising and supporting a dog toward safe, acceptable behaviour.

A persistently misbehaving dog often reflects the owner more than the pet.

If you keep choosing irresponsible partners, only you can fix your “problem.”

Sometimes Shakespeare’s quote from Hamlet applies to relationships: “The lady doth protest too much, methinks.”

Stinky breath can sour a romance, so it’s worth the awkward discussion.

Hanging out several times shouldn’t be imagined beyond being a friendly get-together.

Speak directly about changes in your relationship, rather than try new “moves.”

Don’t consider an unsatisfying relationship as your only option.

After an affair, a marriage can’t be “fixed,” but trust CAN be rebuilt to allow moving forward together.

When someone doesn’t want to take the relationship to the next step, don’t blame others; learn more about his/her reasons.

No matter your past “story,” moving forward requires you to do the work, not just cut ties.

A friend, who accepts a partner’s cheating, will eventually need more support than judgment.

A relationship can’t go forward on only one person’s push.

When feelings for another intrude on your engagement, question your reasons for wanting an escape.

If love isn’t enough to sustain a relationship, use counselling or a break to probe the problems.

Think through whether the relationship you’re fighting for is the one you intend to keep through life’s challenges.

It’s not possible to “move on” while re-living the scenes and dreams of the past.

When trust is eroded, be clear about what changes are needed for your relationship’s fresh start.

People who take blatant advantage of your help are rarely true friends.

Prepare a safe, confidential plan ahead, to leave an abusive relationship.

A crush is an attraction enhanced by fantasy, not a relationship.

Dating at any age has challenges, requiring you to stay true to your own principles.

If you accept shabby treatment associated when alcohol’s involved, it’ll likely get worse.

A long-distance relationship requires mutual self-confidence and open communication.

Grief takes many forms and should not be judged too harshly.

Family rejection should be confronted, along with a firm stand against it.

Explore different ways to ease menopause symptoms and maintain intimacy in a relationship.

The measure of “togetherness” is emotional connection, not constant joint activity.

Secrets are damaging to an intimate relationship, especially if they’re about intimacy.

“Divorce counselling” can help parents handle joint custody equitably.

A “lost” adult child may be irretrievable, but there’s always hope for a baby’s future.

You can’t invest in a new serious relationship if you’re busy spending your assets in a tired one.

A difficult relationship with an alcoholic is about the drinking more than about you.