Change is a part of everyday life. Change can be big, small, subtle or sudden -- it can be positive or just plain difficult.

Your relationship with your partner will grow with time and with this growth comes change.

Relationships have a better chance at thriving if you are flexible, understanding and open to doing things differently. When people are able to adapt to new situations in a positive manner and do not feel threatened by change life can become far less stressful.

People experience change in different ways. It's important that you know yourself and understand that how you cope with things may be different.

This will help you recognize that your partner may respond very differently to you. There are skills you can learn and develop that help you to stay connected as a couple when you are experiencing change.

* Do not try to cope with everything on your own, share your feelings with people you trust, such as, your partner, family, friends or your doctor.

* Spend time with your family and friends doing things that you enjoy.

* Encourage your partner to ask you for help if they need it.

* Realize that you do not need to have all the answers or solve all the problems.

* Take responsibility for your own emotions and give yourself time to make sense of the changes.

* Going through big changes can be really tiring so make sure you make time for yourself and do something that recharges your batteries.

Individuals bring different things to a relationship -- their values, beliefs, opinions and priorities. As a couple, there will be times where you don't see eye to eye on things. Its unreasonable to think that all differences in a relationship must or can be resolved in favor of both people. Agreeing to disagree on some issues, and understanding and valuing your differences, will help keep your relationship healthy and happy.

Compromise is important for all relationships but its important for each of you to feel valued. You should never feel that your values and beliefs are less important than your partners or that you should have to give them up. Relationships are a partnership where both people should feel valued, safe and loved.