You may have heard about the Law of Attraction, also known as Karma, one of the universal laws that govern the human experience. Here’s my take on the universal laws that govern relationships.

The Master Law: Cause and Effect, or Flash Karma

This law poignantly plays out in your relationships in every moment. But are you aware of the effects you’re creating? Or do you blame your partner for what you feel is lacking in your relationship? You reap what you sow. What you put into a relationship is what you get back. If you sow love, honesty, compassion and acceptance, then that is what you will reap.

The Law of Time

Making time every week to be together is crucial. Do anything you both enjoy: hang out with friends, eat out, or cuddle while watching a favorite movie. Cuddling is cool. When couples start dating, cuddling is part of their everyday life. But over time cuddling stops. Keep cuddling – it helps both of you feel warm, safe and loved.

The Law of the Spa

This is a variation on The Law of Time. You can show your appreciation for your beloved’s dedication to your relationship by giving her a gift certificate to a local day spa. But the day will be unforgettable for both of you if you join her, sharing the spa experience with her.

The Law of Walking Your Talk

Saying "I love you" is important, but putting words into action in special ways keeps your relationship interesting. Here is one way to show the man in your life you care: the next time he is out of town, wash his car and pick him up at the airport in a clean, shiny car.

The Law of Space

Perhaps your beloved loves to fish, but the idea of impaling slimy little worms on a hook grosses you out. Don’t force yourself to do it. Just as time together is critical, it is equally important for each of you to have time apart to do something you like.

The Law of Gumby

The foundation of a great relationship is the ability to see beyond the ego’s defensiveness. When you feel yourself digging in your heels, make the choice to be flexible – like Gumby. Release the need to be right. Engage your partner in opening your minds to exploring the possibilities, then choosing the solution that makes the most sense.

The Law of Familiarity

When a relationship is fresh and new, it’s easy to overlook the little annoying things the other person does. Eventually, however, the newness wears off. Familiarity breeds contempt and the nagging kicks in. Comments switch from, "You look beautiful," to, "Are you really going to wear that shirt?" It is a paradox that the one we love the most is the one we can hurt the most deeply. Your words are very powerful, so focus what’s really important and let the rest go.

The Law of Great Expectations

No matter how long you have been together, you can’t expect your beloved to know how you feel or what you think about something. Give up the illusion that if your partner really loved you, he or she could read your mind. Take responsibility for clearly stating your needs, opinions and feelings.

The Law of Baggage

All of us have emotional "baggage" from past relationships, but it is unfair to make your current partner pay for things they never did. Learn from past hurts and know that you are stronger and wiser now. Leave the baggage from the past where it belongs: in the past. Instead, focus on today. When this relationship is damaged, work through the issue then forgive your partner – really forgive. Let it go. Put it behind you, then move forward with a stronger, healthier relationship.

The Law of Giving

True happiness comes from the act of giving – not receiving – and doesn’t need a response of gratitude. Service given with a joyful spirit is its own reward. Mother Teresa knew all about this when she cooed, "If people knew how much joy I was experiencing when I serve others, they wouldn’t consider me a saint." This is a deeply spiritual variation on the Law of Cause and Effect: when you create an experience of joy for another, you will experience joy. Be a fun, spontaneous, creative servant. Ask yourself how you can be of service without the expectation of reciprocation.

A deeper, richer relationship begins with you. Now. Use these Universal Laws every day to evolve your relationship to the next level. You can download 404 Self-Improvement Tips, romantic ideas and a dozen more free e-books on enhancing all areas of your life by visiting my website listed below.