Bearing bad news about others’ relationships can drag you into the midst of their troubles.

A relationship that has to be monitored through snooping is more stressful than it’s worth.

Keeping a “secret” that’s likely to shock a partner is unfair and unhealthy for everyone involved.

Anyone who carries the herpes virus has a moral obligation to be open about it with a potential sex partner.

You can’t expect a partner to change unless you’re willing to improve your own contribution to the relationship.

Even in times of financial stress, relationships need to be nourished, so you can face the challenges together.

It’s “too much information” when a friend’s relationship pre-occupies too much of your own life.

When a crush is persistently troublesome, change the circumstances that created it.

When a relationship is troubled from the start, re-think the choice or find a fresh approach.

A dishonest, sneaky relationship rarely thrives over the long-term.

Health issues can create relationship stress.

Commitment fears are sometimes the result of age and lifestyle, and are more easily overcome as time brings changes.

Mixed marriages, in face of opposition, require confidence and conviction, as well as commitment.

When a workplace romance fails, carry on with your head held high, and your hurt kept private.

When a spouse has addiction problems, find the resources available to him/her as well as for yourself.

When you give an ultimatum, be prepared to accept its consequences, or work very hard to turn it around.

When a phone is the third party in your relationship, it’s time for couple communication.

It doesn’t bode well for a relationship, if you have to convince someone to “settle” for you.

Long-distance relationships require a consistent extra effort to stay connected.

In-law problems often reflect underlying resentments on either or both sides. Communicate, and compromise.

When close friends or family are splitting, stay caring, but out of “the middle.”

Beware of the too-easy offer of “a perfect affair” – it’s a deal doomed to fail.

When people confide things of which you thoroughly disapprove, speak up early or you’ll risk the bond between you.

When the marriage planning takes away all time and enjoyment from the relationship, re-think what’s your main goal.

Parents need to get their child-rearing act together before they start a power struggle over the kids’ behaviour.

When a relationship looks future-bound, it’s time to air out major differences such as those around having children.

Beware of Reno Reality: it can expose more need for repairing the marriage than the house.

NEVER have unprotected sex with a partner you don’t know well.

There are few universal conclusions about the effects of divorce versus unhappy marriages; instead, there are individuals, their specific problems and how they handle them.

Sometimes the best “help,” comes from backing off enough for people to figure out how to help themselves.

Parents must speak up on behalf of a child’s emotional well-being, even if it means affecting the marital relationship.

“Distancing” can be a natural adjustment in dating, or a step out the door.

Don’t overreact to a partner’s feelings of natural jealousy, when there’s a logical reason triggering it.

When a man only wants to make babies but not hang around to raise them, he’s giving you more responsibility, not a gift of love.

The nostalgia of an old romance can be seductive; be mindful of the present and all the other people involved.

When fear of rejection persistently blocks normal functioning, professional therapy may be necessary.

When a baby’s arrival triggers a clash of generations, those with maturity and wisdom should back off until the sensitivities settle.

When a “partner” keeps treating you like a visitor in his/her life, it’s time to reassess the relationship.

Amateur researchers should not consider their instant knowledge about serious illnesses to be definitive, nor specific.

When a relationship is going well, don’t push your needs as more important than the other person’s…find the balance.

It’s an old adage that still holds true in romance: Little things mean a lot.

Different generations sometimes see children’s issues differently, but parents must always protect their kids.

When distance is only an excuse, take stock of where the relationship is really going.

If you stay in the background, don’t be surprised when someone else steals the limelight.

Couples with small children need to work out a time for having sex and intimacy or risk losing that important bond.

When there’s a standoff disagreement in a relationship, look at the needs of both sides before making dramatic decisions.

When the clues to potential cheating keep adding up, it’s time to sum up the relationship.

Long distance relationships can only last if there’s also a balance of time spent together.

A successful union usually melds two separate people and their behaviour patterns into a workable, comfortable team.

Wedding planning raises many emotions; it’s not a wise time for family standoffs.