We talk a lot about what actions can do to build or damage a relationship. But it is inaction - the lack of action - that does more to damage a relationship often times. Here's why and how you can improve on this.

We miss so many opportunities to strengthen the bond between each other when we face negative circumstances or difficult situations. We squander those opportunities by choosing to complain instead of having constructive conversations, turning a negative into a beautiful relationship-building moment. Listen now for a key approach.

The closer you get to someone, the more it matters for you to genuinely care for them. Those closer to you values the energy and effort that you put into really understanding them. Genuine care and compassion comes from a place of empathy. Just acting like you care is more about yourself (self-righteousness or pride) - doing it only because you want to be able to say you were good or right. But actually digging in and spend the energy to feel with someone - that is what is truly good for your relationship. To have a mature relationship, we must act mature by making this important distinction between acting versus being caring.

Don't be someone who rarely apologizes. Difficult and controlling people rarely apologize. Being quick to say sorry (and mean it) only makes you better. Here's why...

What do you do when someone hurts you and has no remorse? You take your power back. Check your heart to make sure you're right. Then, use indifference as your tool to regain your power. Don't underestimate your ability to not care.

If we are too quick to medicate ourselves with "feel good" motivational talks, we might miss out on an opportunity to grow in a moment of personal challenge. Becoming better sometimes mean delaying feeling better so you can push yourself to change out of personal conviction.

Devil's advocates - argumentative people - and how to deal with them. Seriously, the issues are usually non-issues and playing devil's advocate does more harm than good.

Micro no's will lead to macro problems in a relationship. Say yes again like you used to.

Bouncing back from failures and setting up for success. Personal happiness is how you define success in a relationship, not whether or not your relationship meets societal norms.