Relationships: Mawwiage is what bwings us togethew...

(That’s a line from The Princess Bride.)

I firmly believe that men and women can get along in relationships much better than they generally do. There is a path to happiness, and I believe it avoids all paths to grief. This is not to say that good relationships don’t have challenges and struggles; but healthy partnerships do not build themselves around conflict and destruction as their centerpiece.

Guys, gals, don’t go messing outside of your marriage -- and whether you’re single or married, don’t try to get anyone else to mess with you outside of theirs. Not only is it wrong -- and it crosses societal and sacred boundaries -- but it messes up the lives of others, too often affects children, and has far-reaching negative effects you can’t foresee. Don’t go there, guys. Don’t go there, gals. Ever. Please.

Don’t visit your unhappiness on others by seeking what you think is happiness (but is basically selfishness) in another. Find your own happiness and place in life, then bring that to the table as something positive while you hope for a partner. Come to the table with your strengths, not your weaknesses. Come from generosity, not need. Respect yourself and respect others.

Love is giving as well as receiving. Don’t be takers. Love grows when you give it away.

By the way, I define love as “wanting what’s best for the other person.”