Welcome to my first relationship column. In the months to come, I plan to bring you, my readers, thoughts, ideas, strategies and the occasional antidote about creating, nurturing and sustaining successful relationships. Since most columns are written by women for women, I believe a guy's point of view might interest you, the readers (at least, that's my hope) . With that said, let's begin.

Okay, let's face it, relationships are complicated. But can we have a meaningful relationship without so many complications?

Whenever two people come together to intertwine their lives through marriage or otherwise commit to one another, there will always be the likelihood of conflict. You see things one way, he sees it another. Good communication is a key element but remember , men and women communicate very differently. As if gender differences weren't enough of a challenge , each of us has different communication styles, words may have different meanings or implications and expectations are often, well, different than you might expect, no matter how well you think you know each other.

So, how can you have your happily ever after? Start by telling each other what you expect in this relationship . Take the time to think about what’s really important to you (lifestyle, when to have children, if any, who makes the money and who spends it…you get the idea). I'm talking 3-5 things. Definitely less than ten things. Set aside some quiet time together. Let your mate know that this is important to both of you (and that there will be less arguing later if you talk about it now). Plan your “happily ever after” together. It’s a lot easier to live the dream when you can both build that dream together.

November, 2007