You go from "me" to "we" almost overnight and that is when it starts - you begin to get lost. "Me" becomes "we" and you love your sense of independence, your identity and your sense of self. This is not good for two reasons. You stop being the independent, hot, elusive gorgeous creature that attracted him, and the chase is over. He has caught you and he loses interest, because he must always be in the hunt, just a little bit, to remain interested.

How can you keep this from happening while turning your love affair into a long-lasting affair? The answer is "space." Create space between you and your man. That's right! It is not about being joined at the hip and sharing every thought and idea that pops into your head. It is not about being together 24/7 to the exclusion of your own life, hobbies, families and friends.

Focusing only on each other is the fast way to putting your own fire out. Create space in your life away from your man and he will be drawn back to you like a moth to a flame. It is only by living your own independent life that you become the gorgeous creature that attracts him over and over again. When you live your own life, you bring more of your authentic self to your relationship, and this is what strengthens the bonds and turns the romance into forever.

The key to maintaining your individuality is space, not togetherness. Taking yourself outside the relationship brings a new, interesting and independent individual back into the relationship. Successful couples are two whole individuals that equal two people, not two halves that equal one. Remember this and use "space" to bring new life and light into your romance. -- Kerry L. Gray, kerry@loveawake.com