I really like this quote about celebrating anniversaries:

"A wedding anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance and tenacity. The order varies for any given year." - Paul Sweeney

So much for "and they lived happily ever after" huh?

One of the reasons I like this quote so much is that it reflects the reality of long term love relationships.

There will be times when you are really in to each other and there will be timmes when you believe your really can't stand each other, and everything in between.

So many people go into marriage believing the happily ever after quote, and it sets them up for frustration and disappoinment.

In their book "The Case for Marriage" authors Linda Waite and Maggie Gallagher state that many unhappy couples report being happy again within a few months or years.

The ebb and flow of relationships

Relationships have a natural ebb and flow to them. If you are not feeling close, it does not mean the relationship is over. When you are not feeling close, it simply means that you are not feelig close.

Hang in there, coonsistently do the things that help each of you feel connected to the other, and more than likely you will feel close and connected again.

Visit SecretsofGreatRelationships.com for tips and tools for creating and growing a great relationship. You can also subscribe to our f*r*e*e 10 day e-program on how to enrich your relationship today, from relationship coach and expert Jeff Herring.