4 Ways to Improve Your Relationship

We recently stumbled upon an article about an unemployed woman who started dating an "ugly guy" as a way to improve her job success. Somehow, she rationalized in her job-desperate mind, the Career gods would look favorably upon her going on romantic dinners with someone lower on the looks totem pole and gift her that lofty six-figure position with a corner office. Sadly, she remained unemployed and was left only with a month-long pity affair with a poor man who thought he'd won the jackpot.

While we don't buy that tactic as a way to improve your job hunt, it got us thinking about possible ways to patch up a spotty, blessed, and suitable relationship. Anyone who's spent any time dating likely has a few cold-hearted skeletons tucked neatly away in their closet. If you're anything like us, you'll think wistfully back on those sinister moments when you hop into your empty, cold bed night after night.

Here are a few ways to repair the damage and get you back on track with the mysterious relationship powers that be.

Could you break up kindly?

Answer this: How would you like to be dumped? The next time you end a relationship, be it long-or short-term, do it with the compassion and kindness you'd want if the tables were turned. If asked for an explanation, be gentle but dare to tell the other person why you find the two of you incompatible. Whatever it is, say it, but do it politely, seeing as the faults we find in others are reflections of our own.

Be genuinely happy for your blissfully in-love friends.

When you're crabby, single, with nary a date for months, it's tempting to roll your eyes and secretly fantasize about a messy breakup for all your coupled friends. Or maybe you delight in pointing out the flaws in a pal's newest squeeze, when, quite honestly, they're good for each other. Instead, have faith that your time will come soon, and the only thing preventing it is these less-than-friendly thoughts about others.

Let your friend get the guy or girl.

Next time you and your reliably single sidekick go out for a night for fun, stand back and let them take the spotlight. Do both of you have your eye on the same eligible cutie? Wonderful, let your friend have them, even if you swear they like you more. Be selfless and give your fragile ego a rest for the evening. What will be will be, regardless of your attempting to make better jokes or compete about basketball knowledge.

Don't trash a bad date.

This is a tough tip because it's such a seemingly harmless habit. After all, what's the silver lining in a terrible coffee date if you can't guffaw about it later with your pals? You know that silly mantra, "Don't say anything negatively or criticize anyone behind someone's back you wouldn't say to their face"? Try to employ it for once. Instead of launching into a tale of all the grisly details, sum it up with some simple words: "Great guy or girl. Just not my type." Boring, we know. But you'll feel better afterward and might even win some Future Relationship brownie points.