When it comes to our relationships, we always have issues and problems that we are facing. However, the most important aspect of your relationship is always going to come down to one key component: connection.

Not when your partner can finally start being clean or when they can finally stop procrastinating. Connection.

Connection is like the gas in your car. You may be well overdue for an oil change (solving a problem), but your car will not run without gas (connection). You can change the oil later, but if there is no gas, it doesn’t really matter.

If you are so focused on solving the problem, remember that you can't drive to get your oil changed if your car does not have any gas.

You are more likely to be able to work through an issue together if connection is high in your relationship.

If you are currently working through a conflict or having trouble connecting with a partner or family member, try a couple of these.

1. Write down three things that you enjoy about the other person. Read them aloud, send them in a text, or get them tattooed on your arm.

2. Send him or her an article, video, or song they would enjoy.

3. Talk about your favorite memory with that person. Really laugh about it. You can work on the conflict later, but let's just try and remember that we legitimately like this person.

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