Is There A Silver Bullet for Relationships?

Have you ever wondered why another couple seems to have it together and why they look blissfully happy all the time? You're not alone.

So what is their secret? Or are they creating an illusion of happiness for a public perception?

My wife and I often relax in an evening by watching a movie together. Some people say that this is not quality time, and I can understand that point of view. However, we love film, and always have. We've also found that a genre that helps us relax is an 'easy watch'. Essentially, a movie that doesn't require too much effort to think about it as it's pretty predictable.

The movie generally follows a prescribed flow. An aim is set by the lead character, something good happens, then something bad to bring things back down, and then it ends happily.

For us, it's not mind-numbing. We love it. We often talk through it to share opinions and even discuss our own relationship.

The point - during the movie, when something bad happens, it's mainly for the same reason, which is why we've felt the need to write about it.

More often than not, the breakdown in the film is due to a lack of communication. This might be between 2 love interests, or business partners or family members. Whoever is at the focal point, they never seem to be able to communicate effectively.

Of course not - because if they did talk things through, there really wouldn't be a movie to make.

In my opinion, talking to your partner is by far the most effective thing to keeping a relationship alive and in good health. At times, my wife and I have had trouble getting our point across to the other, and we've made a conscious effort over the last 8 years or so to not end the conversation until we've discussed things properly.

Alas, it works. Everytime. On occasion, the other person doesn't agree with what is said, but will always respect it.