In the previous post, I equate relationship maintenance to car maintenance. In this post, again I will use the car analogy to look at relationship, this time driving. When you drive, you are taught to drive safely and defensively.
You drive safely by not speeding, being extra careful in inclement weather, following traffic rules and etiquette, by not pushing your car beyond it's capability, by equipping it properly for the conditions. This equate to knowing the limits of your relationship and not push it. If your significant other (SO) has a particular pet peeve, try to be sensitive to it. Making sure you have good communications with each other. Treating each other with respect.
You drive defensively by always being vigilant of road conditions and other drivers. You could be driving safely, but if you're not watching out for bad drivers, you can still get into accidents. How this relates to relationships is that always be vigilant of your relationship, watch out for trouble spots and steer clear. Making sure the "SO" is happy so that will not be predispose to looking around. This is not to say, be suspicious and possessive of your love one, but to be mindful of dangerous situation and environment, and to make sure to avoid it altogether, or if not possible to be very cognizant of the risk.
Remember, as with cars, an accident no matter whose fault it was, can leave the car's infrastructure permanent compromised, even if repairable. Sometimes it will totally destroy the car. So "drive" your relationship safely and defensively.
