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By Claire Aldrich

There are times when you're struggling to make your relationship better or you're considering ending one that's not going so well. Naturally, you tend to focus on what action you need to take. You also tend to focus on what you want your partner to do differently.

There are also those times when you're really happy with your sweetheart, but you're afraid you'll screw it up. At those times, you need someone to talk to who can give you a reality check.

You Need a Shoulder
Just remember that through all your relationship ups and downs, your secret weapon is your friends. Keep your relationship strong with your pals, and you'll have a place to go, literally and figuratively, when things get tense with your sweetie.

You Need an Escape
Sometimes your partner's personality traits can get on your nerves, even when you're sure you're in love. That's when you should get out of the house and find a diversion. You might just need to vent. That's what friends are for, right?

You Need a Good Laugh
No matter how well things are going with your honey, getting out with your best buds for an evening of bonding can be a good move for your romance. That boost you get from your friends' laughter and support can also boost your attitude when you're back home.

You Need an Ego Boost
If you're a woman, your girlfriends will confirm that your expectations are not off the wall and also that your guy's lack of perfection is not unusual. And - let's be real - your girls are not as likely to criticize your weaknesses. They'll boost your ego by telling you how much they love your new hairstyle and asking you where you got those to-die-for shoes!

You Need a Release
If you're a guy, an evening out with your buddies can give you a breather from that tedious relationship analysis and nonstop negotiations. Not talking about your emotions for a whole night can be a welcome change, right? And that friendly competition with your buddies can get your adrenaline going and help you release some tension.

You Need Outside Interests
The flip side is that when you go out separately, you're reminding your honey that you have a larger circle of people who find you fun to hang out with. You still want your sweetheart to find you interesting, right? Well, when you do things apart, you have more stimulating things to talk about than work and splitting up chores. You recognize that although you want to be together, you aren't totally dependent on each other for social and emotional interaction.

Remember, when you feel the love with your friends, it can put you in the mood to share the love when you get back home. So keep polishing that secret weapon - friendship!