10 ways to better your relationship

Relationships require constant effort to work. No matter how long you've known each other, there are still ways to better your bond, friendship and intimacy...

- SAADIQAH SCHROEDER

N obody said that being in a relationship was easy (except one or all of the romcoms). It's an ongoing effort to understand, accept and improve the ability to bring the best out of each other. Sometimes it's blissful, other times it's like going to war - there will always be ups and downs in any relationship. We spoke to Leah Sefor, life and relationship expert, and author of the new relationship advice book That's Not What I Meant! about 10 ways to improve our relationships.

1 IMPROVE YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS

No surprises here that the first word of advice is to improve communication.

Communication is essential, but it means more than just 'How was your day?' and making small talk. It's about digging deeper and finding ways to fulfil each other's needs - learn to listen, not only how to talk. To quote Leah's new book That's Not What I Meant!: 'Communication is not a competition, it's not a race. It's not about a winner and a loser. It's about relating and creating connection'. Her book helps find workable ways of listening, speaking with clarity, handling conflict and having more honest conversations.

2 HAVE MORE ONE-ONONE TIME

When was the last time you and your partner had absolute alone time away from everything and everyone? Not watching TV, reading on your phones in bed, seeing to children or doing other tasks while being or living 'together'. Have intimacy and intimate moments every week where just the two of you are focused on being with each other away from tech, kids, and other tasks, Leah advises.

3 LISTEN AND SPEAK OPENLY