This article is for the women and men wondering how to make their short, meaningless relationships into something meaningful and rewarding.

I've been one of those girls who always left a relationship wondering what I did wrong, was it me? Was it him? If you think that you've found that special someone and want to make it last for the long haul then here are some tips.

Not all of them are easy or even simple but from personal experience, they will work.

1. Learn how to love each other.

Love doesn't come easy always and it can be a bitch at times but love can see a couple through the hardest of times. It doesn't always have to be physical love. Kind words and thoughtful gestures are also a way to show your significant other that you care. A nice quiet dinner without the kids or a night out just to show your appreciation is a way of showing your love.

2. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!

Communication is key. I've always had a problem with this in my previous relationships. My boyfriend had "fixed" me, so to speak. He makes me talk to him when things aren't right. He knows when something is bothering me. I'm blessed in the fact that he knows me very well. When I'm having a bad day or have something on my mind that's bothering me, talking to him always makes me feel better. As a result, the two of us feel closer.

3. Spend quality time together.

Set aside some time nightly, or weekly, whichever works best for the both of you. My boyfriend and I like to take a couple nights a week and just cuddle up on the couch and watch a cheesy romance movie. Playing board games is also a fun way to spend some down time together. During these sessions, we have a strict policy of no cell phones. This way, our focus is on each other and not our devices.

4. Don't play the blame game.

Again, communication is key. You can't just assume that your significant other did something wrong. It's important to look at the situation from the other person's point of view. I have to admit that I've done this on several occasions. Then later on in the day, I feel like a spoiled brat for playing the "I'm Innocent" card. In long term relationships, there will be arguments or disagreements. It's inevitable, especially when the two of you live together.

5. Being best friends makes it easy.

My boyfriend and I are best friends and we were even before we started dating. We share commonalities such as music and movie tastes. I feel more comfortable telling him things than I do my own mother. He understands me and I trust him enough let him into the deepest parts of my soul. We have an unbreakable connection and it started with a foundation of friendship.

6. Learn to compromise.

There will be times when the two of you just don't agree on things. Compromising will save the both of you a lot of headaches and days of secretly pretending to hate one another. You know what I'm talking about girls; giving your man the silent treatment because the two of you can't see eye to eye. I've been there.

Relationships can be difficult, but sticking it out when things get tough with the person you love can make them very rewarding. Staying calm and communicating can save a lot of the frustration. Men are not as complicated as they may seem and neither are women. We just happen to be the opposite sex of the same species that need a little help understanding how to cohabitate with our significant other.