Probably the two most vital aspects of a relationship, and the first to go down the drain in a relationship gone bust, are communication and intimacy. Neither can exist without the other, and in order to maintain a healthy relationship, these two factors should be high up on a couple's priority list.

Unfortunately, relationships are like the changing seasons - they wane and flourish in an unending cycle. The secret to having a fulfilling relation is not in your ability to sustain the passion and drama in your love life, but in your willingness to stick with the relationship, no matter what.

Communication, as always, is the key. The problem lies in the fact that the sexes think in opposite poles, and more often than not, in contradiction. If you think that your husband doesn't love you anymore because he's not saying it as often as you think he should, he may be thinking that you're not appreciating his blatant gesture of love by mowing the lawn everyday.

See, men and women keep tabs on each other differently; men rack up points, while women consume them to fill up their emotional well. If you're having trouble deciphering your partner's vague gestures, a sit down will go a long way in making things work.

Don't regret the loss of mystery with such an arrangement; both of you may expectedly spill your guts out at the first encounter, but at least you've vented off all pent-up emotions, enough to initiate a makeup.

Intimacy is the spice which keeps the relationship exciting. To be sure, there are many ways to get intimate, but as is with the genders, both have different ways of expressing and appreciating it. Women love the buildup, and men should learn a thing or two about how women think.

They see a gesture as a point, no matter how expensive or trivial it is. They accumulate these throughout the day, and if the final gesture is fitting (such as a candlelit dinner), the stage is set for real intimacy.

And don't sit around wondering if your partner is willing to try out new things: hint that you want to experiment on different ways of attaining pleasure with her, such as using a sex toy during your intimate moments. Sex toys are efficient pleasure enhancers, and if used discreetly, will be a staple of your succeeding personal moments as a couple.

Remember, get rid of your ego in case of a relation, and put the other person's welfare as a first priority. If the effort is mutual, you'll have a healthy foundation where you can build upon and nurture a fulfilling relationship.

Don't hesitate to talk with your partner about your concerns; if the communication barrier has become too much of hurdle to overcome, try arranging a session with a counseling professional.

You'll be able to iron out all issues by laying them out in the open; and if resentment surfaces, let it come out - resentful emotions are healthy indications of openness. Just make sure that it is said in a loving manner, without blame or regret.