Body & Soul has partnered with the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute to offer our readers practical methods and/or advice that foster mental wellness.This week Child and Family therapist, Letitia Lister explains the importance of communication in keeping relationships strong beyond the flowers and chocolates of Valentine’s Day.“Intimacy, money and religion are most often the areas of relationships that cause the greatest source of conflict in couples,” she said. “For this reason, healthy dialogue needs to occur in order to minimise the challenges that can be caused by these issues.”Looking at each of these issues Ms Lister offered the following advice:l Intimacy: Do you believe in monogamy? Do you find your sex life satisfying? Are either of you uncomfortable with your partner’s opposite sex friendships? These issues are often treated like the elephant in the room, and avoided due to fear or embarrassment. True intimacy is more than sexual compatibility, but should also involve the ability to talk through and resolve sticky and potentially contentious issues.l Finances: What is your debt? Do you have any unpaid loans? What percentage of your paycheque do you save on a monthly basis? In order to have a healthy relationship, there must be open disclosure about both partners’ financial positions.Do not wait until you are buying a house to discuss your net worth. It is important for couples to not only have mutual financial goals, but to be able to agree on how they will seek to achieve these goals.l Religion: Where do you worship? How often do you worship? Do you want to raise your children to go to church? These are all questions that need to be answered sooner rather than later. If he goes church every Sunday and wants to be a youth leader, and you only go at Easter and Christmas, you may have some challenges. Similarly, if you are Jewish and he is Hindu, there are some differences that may need to be navigated. Inter-faith relationships can work, but communication and agreement on core values is essential. It is pointless to wait until you have children to begin arguing over whether they will go to Sabbath school.For more information on how to improve your communications in love relationships, Ms Lister recommends the following books and websites:1) ‘Become Closer: A New Approach for Talking with Those You Love’ by William Montgomery.2.) ‘The 7 Stages of Marriage: Laughter, Intimacy and Passion Today, Tomorrow and Always’ Sari Harrar and Rita DeMaria, PhD.3.) ‘Emotional Fitness for Couples: 10 Minutes a Day to a Better Relationship’ by Barton Goldsmith.4.) ‘Why Can’t You Read My Mind? Overcoming the 9 Toxic Thought Patterns that Get in the Way of a Loving Relationship’ by Jeffrey Bernstein.5.) ‘The Relationship Cure: A 5 Step Guide to Strengthening Your Marriage, Family, and Friendships’ by John Gottman.Useful website: Council for Relationships: http://www.councilforrelationships.org/index.shtml