Trend #1 That MUST Be Stopped:

1. Texting while having dinner or in a conversation with someone you love.

While we love technology, we also know about being present, truly present, when you're with someone you love. And texting or scrolling through your IPhone while your loved one is talking is not being present.

In fact, this shows your loved one that the other person or topic is more important to you than he or she is.

You might argue the point, but the fact is you are sending the message, sometimes over and over, with your actions. And actions speak louder than words.

Trend # 2. Flirting with people other than your partner.

Whether it's on Facebook with someone you graduated with or a co-worker, what you might call innocent flirting can get out of hand pretty quickly.

You can end up confiding in this other person more than you do your partner. You can end up spending a lot more of your thoughts on the other person than you do on your partner.

This is certainly a recipe for relationship disaster.

If you find that you're nurturing a relationship outside your main relationship to a greater depth than you are with your partner, stop and get conscious of what you're doing. Take responsibility for where your flirting could be heading.

Trend # 3. One or both people "talk on eggshells."

When one person is afraid to be truthful and holds back part of himself or herself, there's no chance intimacy and connection can grow.

You might think that holding back so you don't hurt the other person's feelings or not "rock the boat" is keeping the peace.

The problem is that these feelings don't go away and they eventually come out in ways that are not very pleasant.

Trend # 4....

Bitching and complaining about your partner with friends, family or co-workers.

While it can feel really good to get something your partner did off your chest while you're talking with a sympathetic friend, it can do damage to your relationship if that's ALL you do about it.

Bitching and moaning keeps you in the victim mode and doesn't help your situation.

We're not saying that sometimes you can get good insights when you talk with a friend, but be sure that that is your intention instead of wanting validation that you're right.

And be sure that you address the problem with your partner so the two of you can understand one another.

Trend # 5. Not spending enough time together.

If there's one thing we preach it's that in order for your relationship to stay alive and filled with passion, you have to spend time together.

You can't keep putting everything else in your life before your relationship and expect that it will survive, let alone thrive.

Get your priorities straight and live accordingly even if you think it's impossible right now.