One of the things I try to do in all my work with people is to develop and use tools & solutions that are simple, quick, and easy to remember.

Along those lines, here are 3 things you can do on a regular basis to keep the connection alive in your relationship.

The AAA Approach has nothing to do with the American Automobile Association (although I know a few marriages that could use a jumpstart!)

The AAA Approach helps you to remember, on some kind of regular basis, to:

Apologize for something from the past. This helps couples to get, and then keep, a clean slate.

Appreciate something in the present. We all like to be appreciated, and it really shows weve been paying attention. It can be something big - Thanks for spending your life with me or something relatively small - Thanks for picking up the milk on your way home. Either way, a little appreciation can go a long way.

Anticipate - We are creatures who like to look forward to something. This is sometimes called hope. A driving metaphor can be useful here. Which is bigger in your car, the rearview mirror or the windshield? Have you ever tried to drive looking only through the rearview mirror? Not something I would recommend. These proportions apply to relationships as well. Anticipating together can draw you closer, keep you connected, and give you hope for the future.

Jeff Herring

Jeff is a marriage and family therapist, singles and relationship coach, mentor coach, speaker, syndicated relationship columnist and author.

Jeff has a full time private practice in Tallahassee in which he specializes in couples, teen and parent counseling. He also is a relationship coach specializing in working with couples and singles. Some of his professional activities include:

==> Internationally syndicated relationship columnist through Knight-Ridder/Tribune Media Services, with a weekly readership of over 10 million worldwide

==> Sought after speaker for organizations, associations, churches, and corporations

==>Twice weekly appearances on The Steve and Sara Show on Magic 107.1

==> Author of "Keep the Changes: 52 Tools for Successful Living" a collection of his best columns, as well as several e-books including "How to Create a Passionate and Loving Relationship.........Forever," "How to Beat the BOZOs: Dealing with difficult people without becoming one," and "Tame Your Teen: THE survival guide for parenting your teenager.

==> Founder and CEO of TheArticleGuy.com

==> Founder and CEO of SecretsofGreatRelationships.com

==> Founder and CEO of ParentingYourTeeanger.com

==> Founder and CEO of ToolsforSuccessfulLiving.com

==> President of BuildingYourIdealPractice.com

==> President of ConsciousDatingTallahassee.com