When we appreciate the value of our differences, we begin to see them not as a threat, but an enhancement to our relationship. We may even see that it was the differences themselves that initially attracted us to each other in the first place.

"Deal breakers" are those behaviors or conditions that one partner is unable or unwilling to tolerate in a relationship. Because "tolerance" is a relative term and subject to everyone's unique capacity to accept varying degrees of distress or discomfort, there is no generic, one-size-fits-all answer to this question.

Strengthening the shared commitment and practicing mutual generosity, compassion, honesty, kindness, and respect are all ways of maximizing the likelihood of not only staying together, but of experiencing greater fulfillment over time.

We all have those non-negotiable standards when it comes to relationships -- habits, qualities, characteristics, details and so on -- that we will simply not stand for. However, it's important reevaluate these from time to time in order to make sure you're not automatically ruling out someone who could totally be husband material.

Very few men are going to know what you want, when you want it and how you want it. My grandmother used to say, "You must summer and winter, and summer and winter, with a man to truly know him," and for him to truly know you. Give a man the chance to know you.