1. You have to agree that you want a better relationship, and you have to commit to working at it.

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2. You have to be willing to be vulnerable with each other, sharing how you're feeling now, and how you've been hurt in the past, especially by each other.

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3. You have to communicate directly with each other in all things. You can't let anyone get in the middle of your relationship---not partners, friends, parents, or other siblings.

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4. If your relationship has been strained, it will take some time to turn the dynamics around. You need to be patient with each other and give each other credit for trying to develop more loving, supportive ways of interacting. Consistent effort on both of your parts will bring results over time.