Are you a mind reader? Well, surprise, neither is your partner. Rather than assuming your partner can read your mind, choose to clearly and directly ask for what you want. Making needs known and doing it in a non-threatening way is just one of the secrets to a blissful relationship.

For all the women out there, I have a ritual that happens nearly every month that you may appreciate. When I am "PMS'ing", I am a T-Bone-Steak-And-Little-House-On-The-Prairie baby. Eric knows this and as soon as he sees the signs, he'll offer to go get me a big steak and grill it up for me. Sometimes he'll even watch taped Little House on the Prairie episodes with me, other times he'll give me my space and let me eat my steak and watch my favorite old shows alone. But this little ritual didn't happen overnight - oh no. After a couple of years of being an emotional wreck before my period, I slowly began to find what little things brought be comfort, and then I started to share them with Eric. As time went on I found that telling Eric exactly what I needed, whether it be a T-Bone steak, or a shoulder to cry on, his respect for me allowed him to listen and do what he could.

For both of you - we have a piece of relationship bliss advice: be assertive. Do this effectively by share your feelings using "I" statements: "I feel "x" when "y" happens."

Lastly, be sure to listen to your partner. Don't interrupt. Allow your partner to have their say without jumping in to explain or defend.

Okay, so you've given up mind reading expectations, and you are ready to ask directly for what you want, and listen to your partner's needs too. Good work, you've mastered secret #6 to a Blissful Relationship!

"Man who waits for roast duck to fly into mouth must wait very, very long time." ~ Chinese Proverb ~

"If you don't ask, you don't get." ~ Mahatma Gandhi ~

Eric and Julianna Montgomery are living examples of how to stay "happily married." They have been happily married for over 11 years. Together they help couples to make their relationship be the best it can be. Through their music ministry, wedding ministry, and helping couples create relationship "mission statements" they reveal the secrets to sustaining a loving, blissful relationship.