Knowing yourself and what you want is great. But unless the object of your interest is a mind-reader, you may have to communicate your expectations, or risk losing out on a great opportunity.

Your well-meaning, opinionated friends and family members can systematically tear your relationship apart … if you let them.

In a recent graduation speech, Lisa Kudrow told young people not to take risks. And, believe it or not, I agree with her.

When you remember past relationships, do you think of your former partners fondly? Or are you still bitter, angry or hurt?

Do you and your partner play the blame game? Psychologists say it’s only natural, but that doesn’t mean it’s productive.

When two people share a home, they both undoubtedly want to feel comfortable there. But there will probably be times when they have opposing desires about what should go on in that space.

How much of what you read or hear about other people’s romantic partnerships do you actually believe?

Sometimes the egocentric desire to keep score can ruin the enjoyment we get from simply giving to others.

What does your partner do that drives you crazy? Are you capable of simply accepting that quality or behavior as part of who your mate is, and not considering it a ploy designed to infuriate you?

How well do you and your partner make decisions together and resolve potential conflicts? Are you able to do so in a way that usually leaves both parties feeling heard, and to some degree, satisfied?

After recently having the woman I’ve been looking at for eight years blow me away with her beauty, I can now see how appearance matters … even when we are with partners we truly believe love us no matter how shabby we look.

Considering the emotional, financial and even bodily damage that infidelity can bring about, it’s worth discussing your thoughts on the issue with your mate.

While many continue to criticize the songstress’s lifestyle and even sanity in her later years, I applaud her authenticity and courage to live life on her own terms – no matter what anyone else thought or said about her.

Do you feel guilty about decisions you made in the past? If so, consider this: “right” and “wrong” are subjective, and guilt is a waste of time.

Neither selfishness nor selflessness is good or bad. In fact, the two concepts are inextricably linked, not opposites, as their definitions seemingly imply.

Happiness is a measure by which I evaluate what (and who) is working well in my life. What you choose to value in romantic relationships is up to you.

Whether to have children is a very big (and very personal) decision. And it can really get complicated when factoring a partner’s desires into the equation.

To have children, or not to have children: This question has changed the dynamic of many marriages – for better, or for worse.

Each romantic partnership and its “rules” are defined by the people in it; therefore, no two relationships look the same. So, why do we feel the need to define our relationships for others?

Here’s what to do about those home-wrecking “other women.”

A key to a healthy, productive relationship is not learning how to spot the signs of an affair; it is to stop worrying about it.

Do you use condemnation as a way to manipulate others into doing and behaving how you think they should?

This week, I am proud to present my first video blog, “The Most Important Decision You Will Ever Make.” The text is also available for those who prefer reading the blog to watching me run my mouth. Friends and family have already been kind enough to give me feedback and pointers on both my presentation and the content, and I am anxious to hear yours as well.

So, what do you believe to be the most important decision you will ever make?

Only you can determine what you value in life and/or how you behave in order to be “a man” or “a woman.”

My second guest blogger, Jill Nelson discusses why women so often conflate a monogamous relationship with love.

Here’s a little frank love about how and where a good woman can find a good man.

When we stop blaming our former partners, and understanding the roles that we played in failed relationships, we may find peace, personal growth and a chance at new love.

Settling and compromising are both necessary components of the decision-making process, and neither is “good” or “bad.”

You don’t have to like your ex’s new love interest. But by bringing her into scale, you may begin liking yourself again.

If we censor and censure people who say things we don’t want to hear, we may struggle to understand them.

At the end of the day, there is no such thing as a selfless act.

Divorce is hard on children, but when those children are grown, it can be even harder.

If you can learn and grow from an experience, it isn’t abuse. It is a learning opportunity.

Just because fewer people are walking down the aisle these days doesn’t mean there are fewer marriages; or does it?

Has your mate ever done something that hurt you? A new study suggests that it probably wasn’t as painful as you remember.

Sometimes, it takes a village to run a household.

The Queen of Soul says, “Don’t be afraid to grow out of love.”

Keep minor disagreements from becoming full-blown arguments by creating some rules for engagement in your relationship.

When you’re a dad who also has an old man, Father’s Day isn’t all about you. That’s why we need more than one day.

Want to really mesmerize a man? Smile at him.

Expecting perfection from political couples might be unfair – to them and to you.

There are no “women’s issues” or “men’s issues,” because what affects you affects the ones you love.

It’s a time to thank all of the women in your life.

“Abuse” is term that is thrown around pretty liberally in our society. But do you abuse the word “abuse”?

Who is powerful in your relationship?

Being a step-parent is rewarding … and potentially complicated.

Are you accepting of your loved ones – even the unpleasant parts?