How to make a relationship work. There are many other things which could be tried, but this piece gives a starting point.
Genuinely listen to him. It is easy to get caught up in your own feelings and experiences but it is very gratifying to be listened to. It can do a lot for a relationship.
Be willing to talk and discuss issues which are important to you and those which are important to him. For some this is easy and for other it is very tough.
Realize that your boyfriend/mate is not your father or someone else who you have had bad experiences with. Everyone has their faults but visiting other experiences upon them simply muddies the water and makes it more difficult.
Realize that you are likely to have different expectations and cannot expect him to realize your expectations without talking about them. He may think that the relationship is going great while you are disappointed because he is not living up to your expectations.
Realize that your boyfriend/partner is not perfect and feel alright about that. Hopefully you can find a way to love his imperfections.
Care about your appearance and make an effort to please him. While this culture goes overboard in making appearance all-important looks do matter whether you like to admit to this fact or not.
Figure out how important his family and friends are to him. If they are important to him then make an effort to like them and get them to like you.
Look out for him and see what is important to him and what makes him happy. This often includes simply figuring out where he will be and then going there to spend time with him. Your thoughtfulness can go a long ways.
If you can afford to buy him presents. Or maybe he would appreciate more your cooking for him or making him something.
Understand your own motivation for the relationship and where he fits and why you are drawn towards him.
