Relationship advice

For the record, I'm single. I haven't dated anyone in a long time (read: the 90s) but I am surrounded by people who are in relationships. They always seem to ask me for advice like I am some sort of expert. It must be my PR training. Who knows?

I always seem to give the same advice over and over and nobody seems to catch on. If my advice doesn't work, why do people come back for more? Is it that people don't learn from their past encounters? So here is my relationship advice for the whole world to know, free of charge!

1. Be honest, always. If something bugs you or makes you sad (or mad) then tell your partner. Don't let things fester. It makes things worse later. This doesn't mean you have to be rude when you're honest - just be frank about what is on your mind.

2. Compromise. The world isn't perfect and you can't have it all. Learn to give and take a little.

3. Make your special someone feel special. We all want love. Everyone wants to feel like they are special and have someone who cares for them. Surprise them by doing something nice or unsuspected. This is especially important when they are feeling down or vulnerable.

4. Listen. All of us have problems with this one. While I write this blog, the tv is on in the other room, I'm heating something up in the microwave, and my computer is playing Internet radio. We have a lot going on around us and sometimes miss what people are saying (or not saying). Silence can sometimes be deafening.

5. Don't waste time thinking about stupid stuff. I always laugh when people are worried about how to respond to a text message or an e-mail or when to call someone. It's also hilarious to see people fret about what he or she meant by this or that. If the other person isn't worried then you probably shouldn't be either. Learn to go with the flow.

Is there something else to being in a relationship? Let me know. These all seem simple enough, don't they?