A craft is defined as an art, skill, trade or occupation requiring special excellence that is acquired with knowledge and practice.  It is also a verb…make something with skill.  Love is the topic.  And love can be made with skill and careful attention to detail. 

Communication  How many times have we heard that communication is the key to all great relationships?  Healthy communication about all important matters is a must.  The other aspects of love will be influenced by communication.  And that’s not just talking; it’s listening as well.  It is taking in what your partner is saying and applying it to everyday life.  Listen to each other. 

Respect  Respect is crucial.  It is needed to enhance communication.  It is amazing how couples will speak to each other when there is a lack of respect.  Personally, I have to have respect for the man in my life.  The man is the head of the household, and I cannot recognize that position if there is no respect.  It is a sense of worth or excellence in him.  If I don’t feel that then I won’t be able to share my all with him. 

Adoration  Seems silly to say when talking about love and relationships, but a genuine like for each other is necessary.  Have concern for each other; comfort each other.  Care for each other.   It is devoted love for each other.  It is evident when your lover walks in the door, and your smile is instinctive.  It is massaging his sore hamstring after a pickup game of basketball.  It is having dinner plans laid out before she gets home from work.  Adoration is a verb that shows you care for your lover.  Adore each other.

Friendship  There is a Greek phrase that simply says “Friendship is essential to the soul.”  Enough said?  Well, I’ll just say this, and keep in mind this is my opinion…treat your partner better than you treat your friends.  If you bend over backwards for your friends and never say no to their requests, then bend over backwards with a back flip ending in a split for you mate!  Never give the impression that you care more about your friends than your lover who should be your best friend.   

Trust  Trusting your mate means to rely on them and place confidence in them.  It is critical.  A relationship will not be healthy without trust.  I’m not saying be stupid, but if I feel a need to invade a cell phone, email, text messages or social sites, this is not a relationship I need to be in.  Trust has to exist for the other components of the crafts of love to flourish.

 And finally, we’ve come to the “s” of C.R.A.F.T.S.  Actually, there are three (sorry!!) 

Selflessness  I believe with all my heart that the ultimate cause of relationship problems is selfishness.  It’s easy, put your lover’s needs and wants above your own.  Try to outdo each other in selflessness.   Realize it’s NOT all about you.  Be conscious of your mate’s desires and feelings.  Make what is important to him or her important to you. 

Sensuality  I’m going to put this in simple terms…if there is no sex in your relationship or very little sex, there is a problem.  HOUSTON WE HAVE A PROBLEM!!  I feel if there is an issue of intimacy, the ball has been dropped in one or more of the other aspects of the crafts of love.  Unless there are medical problems, both parties need to step back, reevaluate and get it together.  There is no such thing as too tired to share intimacy with your partner.  Everyday?  If she keeps saying she’s tired, you can translate that into she is sick and tired.  There is a problem. 

Support  It is a verb- to sustain or withstand against weight, pressure or strain without giving way.  It is also a noun; it is something that serves as a foundation, prop, brace or stay or a person who gives aid or assistance.  Foundations hold everything together and keep it level.  We must support each other.  Be the rock that your partner can lean on.  I believe the man should be the head of the household; he is the provider and protector of the family.  My role is to support him spiritually, emotionally and sensually.  I’m not saying be stupid and just let him do what he wants, but be supportive by giving kind, honest feedback.  Support each other’s dreams and goals.