Remember these five pointers and make a smooth transition into the Big League!

My mother was meeting Mike for the first time, after hearing about him for many years. Mike Schwass: national speaker, published author, coach, therapist, namesake for the high school Blackhawks MVP award...and quadriplegic.

In many relationships two complete strangers share the same bed. They know little about their significant other. There is dialog that is often superficial, self-centered, critical and judgmental. Few couples really know each other. What are some of the things you do or don’t know about your partner?

Abusive relationships can be referred to as interpersonal relationships characterized by the threat of physical or psychological abuse. This kind of relationship attains epidemic proportions and tends to worsen over time. It is a common fact that there is an imbalance of power in abusive relationships.

Children need a mother but a man needs a woman. Here lies the biggest conflict a woman faces, even more so than the conflict between being a mother and a professional. Of course, there are many women who can conciliate both roles with ease. Unfortunately, many cannot.

As relationships mature, grow and develop people can sometimes forget the little things that can have a positive impact on the quality of the relationship. I put these in three categories: Simple courtesies, simple pleasures, and simple words.

Do you quiz yourself about your relationship? Do you question yourself and your partner about all the aspects of the relationships and what is satisfying and what is not? Do you work on your relationship? To have a relationship that works, one has to work.

The gift of roses has a history steeped in symbolism and mystery. Learn the meaning behind their colors, and send a more personal message.

Any relationship can be revived if you know the formula and you are sincere in your reasons for wanting the reconnection. Don't take your partner for granted. Do something before it's too late.

In the beginning of a relationship the romance is on its peak. The two of you are so comfortable together that you think this romance will never fade. Over time one discovers that romance is not as important as understanding each other’s needs and demands. Time flies by and you strive to cater for your partner’s demands and in all this hassle romance goes in the background. However, you must know that romance is as important for ...

Has your relationship gone dry? Is it becoming drab after these long months or even years? Here's 5 steps to exciting a relationship. Keep it fresh and exciting!

There will always be people that drift from one addiction to another. Needless to say, these are not the best candidates for long-term relationships or commitments. However, if you are struggling with a partner who has a simple short-term obsession, you can bring them back into the fold with common sense, passion and support.

A wilderness of shattered relationships exists because men and women are doing things incorrectly. Read how history has shaped the way you think and why this thinking is detrimental to your relationships.

Do you blame yourself because a bad relationship happened to you? Blame can keep you in a victim mind-set long after the relationship has ended. Victors learn that they don't have to make do with the harsh, second-hand beliefs, values and judgements that people foist on them. Victors are people who claim the same rights, hopes and dreams as other people. Are you ready to be a victor?

When it comes to romantic relationships, it is common for arguments and disagreements to arise. These challenges come up as a way to help us move forward. But what we often do is throw out a relationship, instead choosing to create a new one with the hopes that the new one will be different (generally the new one mirrors the previous). The key question is what if you treated your relationship with your partner the same way you treat your relationship with yourself?...

I often hear people scoff at women for staying in an abusive situation. They don't understand why anyone would stay. As a person who has been in that situation, I can shed some light on the reasons a woman may have for staying.

As the seasons blow their breezes, the cycle of life is marked by rhythms that break the monotony and tedium of daily routines. Holidays are those clarion call moments that force one to take a deep breath and review life. Shake off the weariness and refresh body and soul.

You've patientlly waited for it. Hear it is Part 2 of heartache. Enjoy!

Are you afraid to be honest with your partner even about little things? Is this because you're afraid of the repercussions to them and to you? Well have you ever really considered the repercussions of dishonesty? You might be surprized to learn that they are not only destroying your relationship, they are destroying your life!

A simple plan to find the right Valentine Day gift for her

The statistics on relationships are depressing: in California alone, the average marriage lasts just 5 years. Nationwide, 43% of marriages end within 15 years. Second and third marriages end in divorce 60-70% of the time. Clearly, how we handle our relationships is not working. And yet, 94% of young adults in one study said that having a good marriage is extremely important to them. So, what can you do?