The strongest unions may be the ones that focus less on champagne-drenched dinners and rose-petal-strewn beds and more on these five practical actions
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Spontaneous getaways and supersize bouquets settle squabbles in rom-coms and other fantasy realms, but in the real world, romantic gestures aren't cure-alls for relationship woes. In fact, unromantic gestures can be the better salve. Because couples are marrying later and living together before they do, continual improvement of the partnership is more important (and effective) than quick fixes, says Lisa Thomas, a licensed marriage therapist in Colorado. Nobody is suggesting romance be killed off completely - far from it. It's just smart to add these unconventional strengtheners into the happy-couple mix.
Also see:
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- Lifestyle TV: How real couples maintain a work-life balance
- The work spouse: Harmless fun or something more?
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