I have never been in a relationship before, but I would say that I am quite knowledgeable on the subject of love. My many years of singleness have left me no choice than to observe the relationships of others. I get a kick out of watching couples interact with each other. These are my top seven do’s and don’ts in a relationship.

1. DO actually show an interest in your significant other.

Avoid small talk and try to learn about them as a person. Get to know more about their family, their life outside of the workplace, their hobbies/passions, their favorite places to go, etc. Showing an interest in somebody goes a long way; it lets them know that you truly care about them.

2. DON’T get all “touchy” in a newfound relationship.

I have seen it many times before. A couple has been together for a week and they think they are “sooo in love”. After watching their physical contact with each other, it is a shocker to hear that they are not married. Leave room for Jesus folks!

3. DO put God at the center of your relationship.

Your relationship can be thought of as a triangle. You and your S.O are at the bottom corners, while God is at the top. As you and your S.O grow closer to God, you grow closer to each other.

4. DON’T hide your true feelings.

How is your S.O. supposed to help you if they don’t know what you are going through? This is a very common mistake. One person in the relationship feels as though they will come off as “emotionally unstable” if they share a struggle that they are going through. This is quite the opposite. If your S.O knows what you are going through, they are able to help you/comfort you. They will only think you are emotionally unstable if you randomly start acting weird and don’t tell them what is going on.

5. DO spend quality time with your significant other.

It is important to have a time where you invest in each other, so that you don’t grow apart. Whether you take a walk around the park, or go out to dinner, it doesn’t really matter what you do as long as you are together.

6. DON’T spend all of your time with your significant other.

Why? Well, you need to have relationships outside of your “intimate” relationship. It is important to have other friends that you can casually talk to, with all feelings aside. Also, if you spend ALL of your time with your significant other, you are likely to get tired of being around them. It is all about a healthy balance. You want to be able to spend time with your S.O., but you also want to “miss them”. This may sound weird, but it is true. It is only until you miss your S.O. that you will be able to fully appreciate them.

7. DO make them feel included.

For example, when you decide to bring your S.O to a get together you are having with your friends, don’t just leave them in the dust. Introduce them to everyone and make them feel comfortable. Even after introductions are over, do not leave them to fend for themselves. They just met a bunch of new people, and there is not enough small talk to last a whole evening. Instead try to include them in your conversations.

From my observations (if you follow these do's and don'ts) your relationship will be a success.