Building Stepfamilies That Work©	

Building Relationships That Last: The DOs and DON'Ts 
As Stated By Veterans of Relationships Lasting 30 Years or More
© B. Nodrick 1997
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 1. Do listen and respond.									 
 2. Do support.  
 3. Do keep it interesting. Don't always be predictable. 
 4. Do agree on parenting. 
 5. Do have goals (on going). 
 6. Do allow each partner to develop. 
 7. Do give in some times. 
 8. Do have time together--especially if the kids are small. 
 9. Do respect your mother-in-law. 
10. Do have a sense of humour. 
11. Do buy her romantic gifts (not blenders, etc.) 
12. Do share morals. 
 1. Don't criticize. It's not constructive. 
 2. Don't have an affair.
 3. Don’t try to mold your partner into the same person as you.
 4. Don't be negative with your in-laws. 
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1. Giving and Taking:  There are times when one partner needs to give more, and times when they will need to take more.  Do give freely.  Don’t expect anything in return.
2. Do care for someone when they aren't feeling well or are having a bad day. 
3. Do respect each other and care about each other. Touching is important. Go for walks. Hold  hands. Spend time together. 
 4. Do take the time to do something with your partner that they like to do. 
 5. Do be a friend. 
 6. Do have humour. 
 7. Do be trusting. 
 8. Do enjoy the time you spend together. 
 9. Do keep up with your own interests and time apart. 
10. Do let your partner know they are important to you through your words and actions. 

1. Don't belittle your partner's efforts to do something. 
2. Don't be so concerned with your own issues. 
3. Don’t focus on the negatives. Be the first to make an effort to think positively. 
4. Don't keep a tally. 

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1. Do assume that your partner always and truly acts with the best of intentions in mind.									 
2. Don’t exchange harsh words.
	Building Relationships That Last Feb 2008

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