Without getting into the core basics of philosophy, I will make a few statements about happiness. Happiness is probably the most sought after emotion, and the hardest to retain on an ongoing basis. We all can experience moments of joy that make us happy.

I have found that I am most consistently happy when I am trying to help others to find happiness. The word "service" comes to mind.

In our own relationships, we are the happiest when we are doing things for each other. And they don't even need to be big or grandiose things. Just little things. Things like a simple compliment for a thoughtful act. A word about how dinner went so well. "How was your day?"...and then listen to what they say.

It is being together when you are together., and wishing you were together when you are not. It is always praising your partner and never saying anything bad about your partner to anyone.

It is encouraging one another to higher education. Encouragement to improve talents and skills and hobbies. Encouragement to follow one's dreams. Dreams are the catalyst of real passion.

Real passion does not happen over night. Real passion is not a destination. It is a journey. A journey one cannot follow, with any degree of true satisfaction, if they are on the path alone. Real passion was meant to be a shared journey.

Give a simple "I Love You". Don't assume they know it. SAY IT. OFTEN. Now, don't kid yourself. All relationships are a continual "work-in-progress". There are the ups and the downs. The good times and the not-so-good. We must decide, for ourselves, that we are in this for the duration.

Look for and give the "glance across the room" to your partner. Give them a kiss in the twilight. Take a casual walk together in the cool of the afternoon, "just because". Brush the fingertips of your hand across their shoulders or down their arm as you are talking to them or as you pass them by, whether in private, or public.

Give them your smile; your warm, radiant, and sincere smile.

These will all repay you immeasurably...and often!

Bob Curtis has been writing articles, short fiction and poetry for over 30 years. He has been a personal counselor and confidant for much of that time for many individuals. He is currently the managing director of people4people.blogspot.com, and is the president of Nexus Publishing, nexus4u.blogspot.com, in Midvale, Utah.