Strengthening Your Relationship

"How Do We Rate?"

Lets take this exercise;

Ask your mate, "On a scale from 1 to 10 (10 being the highest), what kind of relationship would you want for us?"

Now, anyone in their right mind should say they want a 9 or a 10. If your mate says anything less than that, it might be time for you to find another mate. This person has some real issues.
Then ask your mate, "On a scale from 1 to 10 (10 being the highest), where is our relationship right now?"

For some reason, men seem to rate their relationships one or two points higher than their mates do. I can't explain it, but it happens. The important thing here is that whatever your mate says, don't argue with him or her. Don't question their response, just accept it. This is only their perception of reality, not actual reality.

Next ask your mate, "What do you think we can do to move it closer to a 10?"
This is a very critical step. Make sure you listen very closely to his or her response. The key word is "we," not "you" or "I." You're both in this together. What can the both of you do to improve your relationship?

Make a commitment to each other that you will do whatever it takes to move your relationship closer to a 10.

I must admit that I've tried this exercise on my wife, when we were just dating in college, and it worked brilliantly. However I can't say that it will work for everybody. In order to have a strong relationship, you must have two people committed to change and growth. If one is giving and the other is only taking, the one who's giving will eventually have nothing left to give.

If the both of you are really committed to your relationship, I can almost guarantee this exercise will work for you. Best of luck.

Look forward to much more information on this topic from me. We'll be bringing you information, ideas, and strategies from some of the world's leading experts and authorities in this field and many others. I believe that experience may be a good teacher, but other people's experience is a better teacher.

Samson A. (Relationship Guidemaster)