We don't have to tell you that relationships take work, but it helps to know the most effective ways to strengthen that commitment.

"Simple as it sounds, communicating daily and showing affection is what keeps romance alive," says Dr. Michelle Callahan, author of "Ms. Typed: Discover Your True Dating Personality and Rewrite Your Romantic Future". "Just letting your partner know that you're interested in what he or she is doing helps you stay connected." Read on as these men and women share their tips on how they keep the love going.

Read on as men and women share their tips on how they keep the love going.

1. Schedule "me" time. "Every relationship needs 'no-relationship' time. You work all day, so when you get home you feel like you have to be with your partner for the rest of the night. No good. Let him work in the garage or play video games while you do yoga or watch the show you DVRed two weeks ago. Have an hour of 'me' time every day." -- Andrea, 34

2. Keep the guffaws coming. "Laughing is the key to my relationship. Even when we are stressed or frustrated, we try to find something to giggle about. It always pulls us out of a funk." -- Lisa, 29

3. Steal a midday hello. "No matter how busy our work lives are, my girlfriend and I check in when we have a moment. It's quick but says so much about being in each other's corner and making each other a priority." -- Rick, 39

4. Let the compliments flow. "Even if it seems like something insignificant. We're in the midst of home improvement, and complimenting my man's dry-walling or sanding skills helps alleviate the strain of remodeling and makes him happy." -- Denise, 31

5. Show some love. "Hands down, no questions asked: a kiss and a hug every single day. Touching is so important!" -- Fiana, 28

6. Speak your mind. "I feel that our relationship stays strong because we really respect each other enough to be honest and up front in our communication at all times." -- Elizabeth, 24

7. Say those three little words. "It is so simple, but tell your partner 'I love you' every day, and mean it." -- James, 34

8. End the day together. "We try to go to bed around the same time at night and lie there for 5 to 10 minutes and just chat about anything and everything. That time when nothing else is going on has become something we really look forward to." -- Sarah, 25