Sam's blog: "General Info"

This might sound overly simplistic, but the success of a long-
term relationship has everything to do with how much fun you
have together. Do you laugh together? Do you ask how his/her
day went? Are you genuinely interested in one another? It's
easy to get into a habit of overlooking common courtesies,
but the more goodwill you establish, especially over time,
the better. This might all sound like common sense, but there
are plenty of couples who DON'T care about their partner's
day and who neglect to listen to one another. Play. Have fun.
Do it like the relationship depends on it. And never, ever
forget the importance of kindness.

This sense of goodwill and loving atmosphere will make it
easier for a couple to broach touchy subjects. If you have a
bond of trust, you inherently know your partner's intentions,
thereby decreasing the need for defensiveness (remember, the
latter was one of the signs for trouble). For instance,
comments from others that might make your bristle might not
necessarily mean World War III with your partner because there
is no ill will. When you foster a pattern of consistency,
safety, and stability, you simultaneously create a sense of
"we're in this together." And that's exactly where you want
to be.

Be quick to forgive and quicker to apologize. After all, this
is not a competition. You ARE on the same side, and let's
face it, if one person isn't happy, the other probably isn't
either. I'm not trying to use all cliches here, but you know
in your heart it's not about keeping score. So what if he
occasionally forgets to do something you asked or if she did
not do a task to your standards? If you keep track of all the
little things, eventually they will turn into insurmountable
walls based on...well, a whole lot of nothing.

The point is, sometimes we have to just let things go. How
do you know the difference? In the midst of an argument, or
better yet, BEFORE one begins, ask yourself if the issue will
matter in five weeks, five months, or five years. It should
allow you to put things in perspective so you can get back to
the important things like loving each other...and making out
under the mistletoe.

thats my observations  let me know what ya think .