There's Nothing Like Good Customer Service

Just few minutes ago I was in one of the well-known BPO's in the Metro. For a company known as one of the best, their 'receptionist' was not as friendly and courteous as one would expect. The experience with this receptionist's way of addressing visitors and future employees of the company left a bad taste in my mouth. I just hope the company will be able to make it up with their excellence in what they are known for---oddly enough, customer service.

Things like this should not be taken for granted by even the big guns in every business industry. Customer experience is a vital aspect of a company's reputation and later on their business. If customer service sucks, possible clients or customers might not even be interested to even check out the good stuff the company has to offer.

Companies who are aware of this fact, don't take this for granted and would really invest on improving their front-liners.

I will be coming back to that company soon and I just hope she's going to be nicer to people next time. Unless she wants her superiors to call her attention after some "little bird" advised them about her bitchiness. :-)




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Soon Be Back...

I will soon be back to blogging.

It has been some time now since my last blog and I miss it.

Few more days and I will be back to updating this "baby" of mine. A lot has been going on to my not-so-exciting-yet-worth-thanking-for life.

See you guys soon.

Keeping It Cool

This morning, I was feeling a bit tired and exhausted than the usual. I dragged myself to work with eyes a few more tons heavier. I fought hard to keep myself awake while walking to the office. I think there were even moments when I was walking like drunk. My tummy might give out that idea that I love drinking but the thing is that I don't drink.

Because I was so feeling worn out and off today, I was easily agitated and pissed off. My co-workers can attest to that-- specially those I lost my temper at. It wasn't something I am proud of but I would like to believe that I really never meant to be a pain in butt to others today.

Waking up on the wrong side of the bed is the most common excuse we blurt out when we don't understand why we feel bitchy. This actually gives us a safe excuse of not being in control of how we deal with things. But if you really give it a thought, it just doesn't make sense.

I know we sometimes don't have any control on how things can stir us to react. But how we react or feel the whole is definetely in our ability to control. We slip once or twice but there should be a moment we attempt to pick ourselves up. If you are off at the start of the day, you still have the rest of the day to make it better. It doesn't have to end as bad-- or worst.

Love Is Now

Today in the office, we were asked to wear something red. Since it's Valentines Day, the people at the office got this very 'unique' idea of seeing agents in red. Some complied and wore red tees, red caps, red socks, and even red undies (now how did I ever get to know this?). So red was all over the place and it was kinda crazy to see a lot of the said color in one day.

So I wore my red collared-shirt to work. I am not a fan of the idea but what the heck, right? Perhaps I just didn't want to be one of those people who tried to kill the fun in this circumstance. I thought, well, the people who thought of this were putting their best red clothes on so it won't hurt if I blend in, right? And besides, they prepared freebies and prices for those who came to work and join the 'fun'.

Everyone got some chocolates and flowers. But some were just happy to be there, me included.

Valentines Day has always been spoke of as the "Love" day. It's a day people get to find the chance show the people around them how they really mean to them. At least, this early part of the year you get to let the significant people in your life feel how much you love them. Showing love can also mean showing gratitude to someone who made you whole or complete. Or it is also in the mere 'thank you' that the other person will know that he has done something worth appreciating.

Although love is a choice that one commits to without expecting something in return, I know each of us will agree that it feels nicer when love is reciprocated. When you are in the receiving end of loving, you see things in a different perspective. The feeling of being loved back can make you feel invincible. You feel inspired and motivated to do great things without fear of failure. You would feel like 'the king of the world' when you are loved.

Just like The Joker-- Batman's arch-nemesis--, Love puts a smile on your face. In a positive way, of course.

So grab this chance to let your loved ones, family, and friends to know how they mean to you. Whether through giving flowers or chocolates; sending 'thank you' cards or saying it yourself; Or even just by wearing red when you're with them, just show your love. The most important thing is you do it now.

Never postpone love. Believe me, you don't want to regret not doing so.

What Are The (Second) Chances?

Just few days ago my relationship was rocked hard that almost reached its apocalypse. It really scared the wits out of me. And the situation really caught me off guard which is regretfully one of the reasons why I got into this mess. Fortunately, I was able to convince her to give it another shot...thank God!

Life is not always like that. Sad as it may seem but it doesn't always give us another chance to change things. We can't always bank on the idea that there will always be a 'next time'. And even if there will be a next time, that won't even guarantee a better outcome than the last time.

So how do we deal about it? Well, one thing I can think of right now is to do things according to its value to you. If something is that important to you, may it be a job or a task for someone, give it efforts it deserve. We should never give less value to things/people that means so much to us.

Probably you can suggest more on how not have regrets. I know there are still a lot but I want to hear from you too.

Any other suggestions?

Lost In A Shallow River

I feel lost.

It's not that I had no idea how on earth I got myself into this disappointing drama. The hints were all over the place and yet, somehow, I just shrugged them off like I do with dirt on slippers. But was I thinking that by continually neglecting those clues and refusing to address them they will just concede and burst like bubbles? If so, what was I thinking, for crying out loud?

Now, it's all coming back to haunt me like they have always been trying to. I admit I have been warned a lot of times with sporadic knocking on the head. I have been advised of in different and unexpected manners how things can get ugly. But I didn't budge. Now the inevitable is happening and it's hitting me harder.

I used to smile at the image I see when facing the mirror. Not that I was crazy, but I was proud of what it's making me see. I've seen myself in the mirror with my chin up and with eyes full of passion and motivation. I used to see me as a force not easy to mess around with. A worthy competitor who could have given anyone a run for their money any given day.

But the image seems kind of blurry now. I'm seeing those bended shoulders that used to be proud of how many battles were won. Are those eyes looking down like that of a sorry loser? The feisty eyes used to be filled with inspiration left not even a trace of its past. It's like they were never there in the first place. Or was there? I would like to believe they used to be there. I don't see me smiling now.

This person looking at the mirror right now is regrettably empty. The years have seen him beaten to a pulp without him realizing. He got dried up and drained after years of trying to make it to where he wanted yet finding himself drifting into the nothingness. He has become a shallow river making a lot of noise. Noise that can never hide the sad fact that it wasn't deep enough to drown anything or anyone who hinders its path.

I have become a shallow river.

But the hope of gaining that depth to make me matter is something I don't want to loose. I don't want to let go and give up. After all, this is one thing I'm sure I still have. Hope.

A New Lifestyle For A New Year

This year, I decided to start a different lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle is what I'm aiming for this year. I beleive it is never too late to start a good and healthy habit. But I'm no guru in healthy lifestyle. Actually, I'm one of those people you will never find in a gym sweating it out to loose those unwanted calories. But that was last year...and the years before last year.

People are now noticing my 'beer belly'. It seems like it really pains them to see me with my 'love handles' and that they had to tell me about it like I'm not aware myself. I have nothing against people who prefers eating those delicious and mouth-watering killer foods. Actually, I am the last person who would abhor such love for eating and great food. But this year, I have to say my farewell to this 'beer belly' which I have been nurturing since few year back. And did I mention I don't drink even? Such a pity, right?

Though I've heard tons of comments on how expensive Fitness First's membership is and that other known gyms are way much cheaper, still I signed up for a 12-year program. The gym inside the mall is just a walking distance from my place while the other gyms are few kilometers away so that settled the score. And besides, the expensive membership of the gym is working as an additional motivation of some sort to me-- since I have to make every cent count.

I'm still on my fourth day working out and trying out gym machines and equipments that are new to me. I've been observing people on how things are done inside the gym and to the point of following others with what they are trying out. The place/gym is conducive, I say, for working out and pampering oneself indeed. The locker rooms reminds me of how it was in the seminary back in college-- minus the couch and television. And I see drinking water stations in almost all corners of the gym.

Earlier today, I was aching to join the group exercise but, I guess, I am still shy to start dancing/exercising together with those women older than I am. But perhaps, tomorrow will be different when I will once again hear the beats. Move aside, maam!

Goodbye 2009...Hello 2010 !!!

I spent the final hours of the year 2009 at my girlfriend's house to welcome 2010 and what it brings. The same time last year, I was also here but it was a bit different scene. Lola Tele was still around and the whole Santos Family celebrated the season all hopeful for her recovery. She passed away just few months ago though.

Baked Macaroni

As almost every New Year (or Christmas) Season, Sheril baked her famously delicious baked macaroni. Knowing her, she bakes it with all of her expertise and finesse. I can say that she is consistent in aspects that involve her precious time and efforts when it comes to how the result would be. Shen does almost everything without any compromise to quality. And that doesn't exclude even baking or cooking. Well, good for those who she would cook or bake for, right?

Short-lived Vacation

For most of us, the vacation this season is somehow short-lived. Well, I believe it always is when it comes to spending quality time and happy moments with loved ones. Time is somewhat few minutes short every time you find yourself enjoying. It's not that I'm complaining but I only got to spend two days off from work. For years now, I get lucky if I get to find myself shouting "Happy New Year!" while not on a call. Call center life has been eating up my time for almost 6 years now. So I guess, I still got lucky this year.

New Year's Resolution

Now that the new year has just introduced itself to us, we can see ourselves 'shouting' to the world our the resolutions that we have on our list. No one knows how this "tradition(?)" came to life but it's undeniably the most common practice every year. Well, whatever our list have-- some of them might not even find it's realization the whole year-- let us hope things will be better for each of us this year.

So do you have your New Year's Resolution list full now? If not, well, better start writing yours down. Good luck!

Welcome The Year 2010 With A Left Hook

As the hours slowly crawl to embrace the first day of another year, I bet people now are having different takes on how things will be in 2010. This uncertainty is somehow empowering to each of us who are clinging to that slice of hope that the coming year will be much better-- which really means favorable to each individual. Though we always, sometimes annoyingly, hear optimistic yearning for a prosperous year, we are actually crossing our finger at our back and are hoping against hope.

I believe this is one aspect of our human existence that I find remarkable. It is an undeniable fact that we as a race are resilient and stubborn in a praise-worthy manner. Our brute nature has taught us to be more fierce when badly hurt. Not to back down from any challenges and to stand our ground fight back. We get up after every tough fall and wrestle harder.

No scandals are going to stop us because of shame. No significant deaths are going to make us loose hope for a better tomorrow. Instead, we somehow feed on the deaths of influential people to fuel our rage against injustice and inhumane activities. Not even natural calamities can put out the fire in our hungry souls.

We always see it through the storm (literally, sometimes) not just as individuals but as race. We always survive-- even if barely in some occasions. We always prevail.

The Year 2010 is at our doors. Are we going to get it? Or is it time to throw that white towel in surrender?

Merry Christmas to Whoever You Are

Few hours ago I was with my girlfriend and her mom in Robinson's Supermarket in Imus, Cavite. As we expected, it was like the end of the world for the people rampaging the stalls inside the supermarket. I can't even move an inch without brushing shoulders with these insanely excited and , for some, panicky citizens.

Honestly, I enjoyed the sight of people going about the place trying to grab the ingredients for their carbonar, getting more Nestle Creme to complete their fruit salad or buko pandam for desert, or just buy a pear-shaped ham to make the Noche Buena special. The mere fact that these people still find a reason to make this day extra special warms my heart. I can just imagine what each of these people have been through for the past months (some could have had some rough times) and yet the spirit of Christmas can still be felt within them.

Christmas is spent in different ways by different people all over the world. Cultures influence how it is celebrated but faith makes the big difference.

So how do you celebrate Christmas? Do you even know why you're celebrating?

Experiencing Christmas

It's almost here.

The world anticipates it's coming every each year. Like one's birthday, it can't be stopped or even postponed. We may be able to ignore it but it can still be annoyingly present. After all that has happened within the year-- the good and the not-so-good-- it has always become the source of hope and inspiration for the people.

During this season, our tired and beaten soul bathes in the bliss that it somehow offers. It has become the food for our starving soul. Our refreshing glass cold of water-- or your favorite softdrink-- after being exposed to the scorching heat of the sun. The 13th Month Pay after working like screwed-up dog for the entire year for your boss. I believe you can already picture what I want to say.

For years, Christmas season has invigorated our souls. It has fueled our determination to do better. It made us see our dreams crystal clear just when we thought it already escaped us. When you almost find yourself quiting, Christmas comes and helps you up to stand your ground and prepare for the battle ahead.

So it would be a pity if we let this Season of Hope to pass without letting it heal and recharge us. The year that will come might not be as nice as this year. That is if this year has been nice to you even. Fill your armory with the upgraded weapons to have an edge facing what lies ahead.

Experience Christmas. Recharge.

Thankful and Honored

This baby was unattended for the past months. The months that have passed were really note-worthy and some were memorable to me. A lot of things have happened and yet not even a mention of these things on this blog. I admittedly neglected this "baby" of mine.

In spite of what sorry mistake I did of not updating my blog and feeding it with my happenings, it didn't give up on me. Somehow, this site seemed hopeful and wanting for me to scribble my life on these pages once more.

It's making me feel needed here in this side of the world.

For the months that have passed this blog site maintained the PageRank of 2! I know for non-newbies, this rank is not that much. But I expected the rank to throw tomatoes at me and make me non-existent to the Web. So I was really amazed and thankful that my blog has kept it's faith on me to get my groove back.

The world is just waiting for me. It could just be waiting for you too.

Seize the day!

10 Years After...

It seems forever since the last time I posted anything here. The hibernation was really premeditated.

A lot of unforgettable and regretful events happened for, what, a month or so. Events that I plan to share with everyone(referring to those who chance on reading this) as life takes its course. Perhaps I was just overwhelmed by the chain of events that disturbed the stillness of the my river.

Soon I'll share these to you.

The Day Lola Tele Said Goodbye

One of the sad reality in life is death itself. It is probably one the hardest way of saying goodbye to someone we hold dear. The thought that the person who's going to pass to the other side might not even have a chance of coming back is such a mother of heartbreakers.

It was after lunch of July 24, 2009 when I got a message from Sheril telling me she'll pick me up in a couple of minutes. She was at work but she had to go to her Lola Tele's house in Paranaque. So in just a few minutes I already packed a few clothes and some stuff. Indeed, she was already in my apartment in less than 10 minutes. But I noticed she was all teary-eyed.

Her mom let her know that they had to go to Lola Tele's house since it could be the day lola will breath her last.

On our way to Lola Tele's place I've been trying to prepare Sheril for what might happen. But I thought, "Who am I kidding, for sure nothing will comfort her once the dreaded moment would come for Lola Tele to say her goodbye to the people she is gonna leave behind." Lola Tele has become my only lola left since both my lolas from my parents have long been gone. And now loosing the last lola I know could be one sad and painful experience me too.

We were already near Lola Tele's house when Sheril's cellphone rang. She was driving so I had to check who the person on the line was. Her cousin's name registered on the phone and it was then that my heartbeat raced like hell. She grabbed the phone from me and answered it. And there it was, one of the agonizing pain Sheril might ever feel. She was almost drowned in tears while she was screaming in pain for her lola and kept asking why Lola Tele didn't wait for few minutes more. There was nothing I could do since I was also in tears and fighting to control myself not to drown in the sorrow since we were still on the road.

Lola Tele's body was still warm when we arrived at her house. Some of her children and her grandchildren were already at her side, lamenting and crying their heart out, grieving for their beloved lola. One of the tita's even suggested that we try to revive her although they've already tried several times even before we came. Then after a few minutes, all the children came one at a time, rushing and crying.

Later that afternoon, we had to prepare for her embalming and funeral services. I had the chance to be there for the family and glad that I did considering they are my second family here in Manila.

Private and Confidential

The month of July is Data Privacy Month for the BPO I'm working in. The company is promoting and/or reminding everyone to be extra careful in handling significant information-- the customers' or the company's. The last thing you would want is to find these information in the wrong hands.

I believe there is no need for me to elaborate the magnitude of confidentiality. For years I've seen and heard of privacy being invaded and confidentiality left broken and unmended. Lives of many have suffered greatly from a simple crack of confidentiality.

Knowledge is power, indeed. And with this great power comes great responsibility-- I guess the web-slinger superhero was not reminded of this for no reason at all. Poignant display of shattered trust and invaded solitude in our lives are somehow unbridled that it keeps us on our toes. It's always hard to know who to trust. The things you know can either hurt you or be used to inflict pain to others.

Funny thing is, each of us, at some point, have broken a friend's trust because of our big mouths or negligence. We could even have assaulted someone's privacy a few times without really meaning to.

Now does this mean we are all doomed to betray each others' trust? Is privacy just a mere word or an ideal state that each of us can only dream of?

Cross your fingers and hope for a "NO" answer cause it would really suck if it would it's otherwise.

Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince...Poof!

The rain still went on the whole day today. It was no different than the past days. Some people were still trying to find their ways through the knee-high floods. As if the usual stubborn traffic was not enough.

This cold weather leaves us feeling lazy the whole day. I guess being stuck in traffic is the last thing you want to be in especially if you just got out of work and uber exhausted. Did I just mention knee-high flood that could make things worst?

I stayed in the apartment till the afternoon. After getting some relatively good sleep, I turned on the laptop. It was raining outside and I hate it. But it sucks the more not to have internet access. Like they say," When it rains, it pours ." And kept pouring it did.

I played DoTA until I felt my eyes give up on me again. So lazy me snuggled under the sheets again. It was almost 3 p.m. when my sleep was cut short by my girlfriend's call. While others were having a bad day, her boss seemed in a good mood to let her staff get off work earlier. But wait, there's more! (LOL) They were given money to watch Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince . Some lucky day, huh?

I thought, since it has not been a good day why not end it with great movie? I hit the showers and put on some clothes then head to SM Southmall . The movie started at 3:50 p.m.

But just when I thought things would get better, the "horror" continued inside the cinema. The movie was stopped twice due to technical issues. But since I was a Harry Potter movie (The Box Office Juggernaut) so I tried to control my temper. Oh, did I mention there was this kid at back of my seat counting one to one hundred for no apparent reason while his dad was just intently watching the movie. (The same kid spoiled the thrill when he prematurely asked his dad if it was already the scene where headmaster Dumbledore would die!)

But the biggest disappointment of all was the movie. I know this will raise a lot of fans' eyebrows. I was even surprised to find myself in disbelief when the credits of the movie started to show. I didn't know what hit me.

It was not as remarkable as I expected. I understand they had to highlight the romance and sexual tensions between the characters. I read it was all about Harry Potter's preparation for what lies ahead. I never read the book so I can just imagine what will happen when Harry will soon face-off with the dark Lord Voldemort. But I personally feel the magical fight scenes we've seen from the previous Harry Potter movies were not as impressive. Was my expectation of the movie just too high that it slapped me hard with disappointments? But this was J.K. Rowling 's masterpiece we are talking about. Can you blame me if I expect more from the franchise after the previous movies?

The Box-Office Juggernaut just failed to make my day and it's just so sad.

***

Outside, it was still raining and poor I was dripping wet when I reached the office tonight.

Michael Jackson is Alive!

The past few days almost all news and blogs were on a posting-frenzy about Michael Jackson. I tried to shun mentioning him after my post affirming his passing away . But others are busy giving us somehow blow-by-blow accounts on Michael’s death. I read reports about how the doctors -- who attended the King of Pop during his last minutes -- could be held liable and in deep trouble. There were also controversies which involve custody of Michael Jackson’s kids, who I also heard would get the royalties of the “Moonwalker’s” hit records.

The Pop Icon’s records are also moving up the charts once again . The airwaves are also playing non-stop hits of the controversial music legend. I won’t even be surprise to see T.V. shows dancing and singing Michael’s songs and classic hits. Much so, some celebrities might also use this regretful episode to give the needed shine to their fading careers.

I am a fan of MJ, no doubt about that. I can’t even name just one song of his that I consider my favorite; because almost all of his songs are up there. I find myself singing Man in the Mirror or dance to the tune of Billy Jeans. But don’t ask me how my dancing is because my mind plays tricks on me sometimes. My mind would make me believe I’m really doing the moonwalk .

Will this news and talks about the life of Michael Jackson ever end? I am not praying it will but if ever the issues will settle down, I’m sure it won’t be sooner since Michael Jackson is not dead.

Michael Jackson is the King of Pop. He is the single-gloved performer. He is the moonwalker. He is the Peter Pan of Neverland .

Whether it was really him caught on camera by CNN , Michael Jackson will live forever in the hearts of many.

On Facebook, MySpace and 'MyAge'(?)

The most popular social networking tool right now is Facebook. This is according to a poll initiated by Shai Coggins in his blog. Based on the 129 participants of the poll, 49% choose Facebook over other networking sites like Twitter, MySpace and LinkedIn. Although, I must say, Twitter is gaining popularity nowadays.

A lot of these networking sites have been popping out one after the other and it got most people giddy over these developments. Techie and even tech-challenged people would want to keep up and have accounts to most of them-- if not all of them.

I am not any different from these people I just mentioned. But having accounts with Friendster , Myspace, LinkedIn, Tagged, Facebook and the rest just doesn't make me as updated as I wanted to be. I remember I was just trying my fingers on Friendster and Multiply then I heard about Facebook. Either the change is too fast or it's just me and old age-- did I just say I'm old?.

I want to share a secret that might sound pathetic. And what better way to share it but here in blogosphere, right? LOL. I only got my first email address after college and that was in nineteen-ninety. I can still remember how excited I was seeing my name and my very first message from Yahoo.com welcoming me to the world of W.W.W.---I used to think it was that wrestling show.

I used to be one of those people who thought all these technologies and advancements are just making life so complicated. Actually, at rare moments I still do think that way, but I believe it would still depend on how it is treated. Information is very vital nowadays and the internet has played a lot in giving information. From the danger of this H1N1 to the death of a Pop Icon.

The web can offer a lot of information that are beneficial. Take for example the various blogs that can be found. Some have become influential and has been providing useful and important information to their readers.

Now that I have this blog to start with, I beleive I will-- okay, I'll definitely try-- never be left behind and eat dust with all these fast phased changes. Wish me luck. LOL

Where Did Your Money Go?

If you check your pockets and wallets right now, would you be happy of what you'll find? Or do you have a savings account with some banks? Are you troubled for the lack of money?

If your answer to the questions is yes, then good for you. You'll definitely get a different answer if you throw the same questions at me. But if I somehow got you feeling sad and low after those questions, then never worry, you're not alone.

People sometimes have the notion that people with the same job that I have earn more than the common laborers. Relatively, that's true but it still depends though. Some of us are in it just to keep up with our responsibilities on our shoulders. Those who previously worked from other industries would switch to the graveyard shift jobs just to earn extra to pay the bills. These folks even gave up quality time with their families and risk their health due to lack of sleep. It's not as easy as others would think of it.

So where is this leading to?

The figures on my payslip tells me that I'm lucky to be earning this much. But my wallet and bill statements(debts) tells me otherwise. Then I think of my plans and dreams; help our youngest sister though college, give some regularly to my family back home for daily expenses, and buy myself a house. How on earth would I be able to meet and achieve those if my current expenses alone I can't take care of with what I'm currently earning? It really gets you worried, right? Sometimes, even frustrating.

I was searching for tips, tricks, cheats(?), and suggestions how to save money and yet not neglecting responsibilities. And I found a few which were, I say, ideal and could work. But I want to ask from those reading-- and who will be reading-- this entry their own suggestions.

Some of the tips I was able to gather includes the following:

• Cutting down on trips to expensive restaurants; you can probably still enjoy meals at restaurants but check out there prices first.
• If you can't stop eating those yummy but unhealthy junk foods then buy less of them at least.
• You can still enjoy taking a shower using a 'tabo'. It's fun and saves more water.
• Clean you appliances regularly. Appliances can work efficiently when they are clean.
• If you have a dirty kitchen, try to use it every now and then. Specially during weekends when you have more time to spend in cooking. It can be messy but again, it can be fun too.
• Hitch a ride on your way to work. But make sure it's completely fine with the one who owns the poor car.

These are just suggestions. They might work fine for you but for some, it might sound obnoxious. So, guys, if you have tips and tricks you personally practice to save money, would you mind sharing it with us?

We might not be able to return the favor but good karma will surely follow you.

Yes, Relationships Can Last

When you are in a relationship, there is no doubt, you will have your share of heated conversations, long-playing arguments, or(to some) bloody fights. It's as real as the sun rises and sets everyday. Or as certain as birthdays and deaths.

Like any other couple or relationship, me and my girlfriend have our own share of these-- not on the bloody fights though(see me still crossing my fingers?). And I believe there will still be more to come and shake us. As much as I understand that we have to go through these challenges to see how far our feelings for each other would see us through, I admit that it every occasion really saddens me. It could even leave us with our day ruined.

Knowing that this is real and present in every normal relationship, the best way (just my opinion) in dealing with it is to try to understand why it happens and then learn how to face it or sometimes avoid it. But this should not give the idea that these suggestions will show results overnight. It can be a lot of work, you know. But if you can't spare that amount of effort to begin with then I don't think you have any reason why you should bother at all.

One important factor to consider is that a relationship can't work if only the other would bother making it work. The other might be able to make it work for some time but the relationship will eventually crumble. It's like standing only with one leg; you can only keep the balance for a moment.

So I did some researching, actually I was just browsing the net, and found some tips on how to make a relationship last. They can be helpful for you and your relationship(s) but, hey, it can work differently with others.

So let me share these suggestions I grabbed from Yahoo.com:

1. Keep the lines of communication open. If you don't know how to express your feelings and/or have poor listening skills, learn to get better at both. You can read a book, take a class, or get into counseling. Good communication requires both the ability to express and listen.

2. Don't sweep your fights under the rug and think they'll magically resolve themselves. Do your best to resolve your first argument as soon as it arises so you won't have the same argument for the next 50 years, in different forms.

3. Remember that you love your partner; therefore, you want the best for her/him. Give her/him the benefit of the doubt when you feel angry, hurt, or disappointed. Talk to your partner; don't make assumptions.

4. Don't take your partner for granted. Tell your partner every day something you appreciate about her/him and how grateful you are to have them in your life.

5. Your partner should never feel like your enemy. If they do, something is wrong; remember that you fell in love with this person. If there's so much anger that you feel like you are enemies, get help somewhere as quickly as possible.

6. Gauge your relationship . Notice and don't ignore the warning signs if you're not talking, you're less affectionate, you're fighting all the time, and you're not happy. The sooner you acknowledge you're having problems, the sooner you can begin to solve them.

7. Always remember that you have the power to change behaviors in your relationship through different tools of self-discovery. You don't have to stay stuck in unhealthy ruts.

Good, lasting relationships are made up of two conscious individuals who have the desire to work on themselves with the determination to stay focused on the importance of their relationship. They do not take their partner for granted. They have their partner's best interest at heart and, therefore, build trust with their partner.

When arguments come up, they don't ignore them. They address the issues and try to resolve them. When they see warning signs that their relationship could be in trouble, they act immediately and look for new ways to relate to each other.This can be accomplished by anyone who is willing to take the time and energy to make their relationship a priority in their life. Nurture your partnership as it so richly deserves! You can live happily ever after, not with magic, but with work, awareness, and knowledge of yourself and your partner.

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Being in a relationship is never easy. Be worried if you're in a relationship and it seemed like just walking in the park for you both. But I'm not suggesting you fight, alright? Let challenges come and face them TOGETHER.

So goodluck. Remember, it doesn't work overnight.