Couple Connection: The secret to making love last

CLEVELAND -- Many of us celebrated Valentine's Day this Sunday. Some couples even tied the knot. But what makes relationships last, even in today's busy living?

Deb and Maurice LaFond have been married for 35 years. "When I feel down, he'll run me a bubble bath. He'll rub my feet or make me a cup of hot tea," Deb said.

The Lafonds have been through good times. "If you don't laugh, life is too short," Deb said.

They have been through bad times.

"When we get angry, we back down. We just back down a notch," Maurice said.

This Valentine's Day, their secret is exposed.

Romantic holidays, candy and flowers are all very nice but they don't take the place of the daily maintenance. The LaFonds have been working with relationship coach Kathy Dawson for 18 years.

"If you don't do something on a daily basis, those holidays mean nothing," Dawson said.

Dawson has written two books on the subject and has been counseling couples for nearly two decades. As you might suspect, sex does occasionally come up.

"Sometimes women have to adjust. I hate to be so crass, but women have to just do it and sometimes men just have to hold off and connect with their partners," Dawson said.

Kathy created the 19-second, five-point couple connection plan.

Make a connection when you awaken, even if it's just touching toes.

Complete a five-second or more hug before you leave the house

Touch base during the day, just to show you care.

Have a 10-second kiss when you get home

"This is not about the bedroom. This is about being in the moment with your partner and enjoying the kiss," Dawson said.

Finally, have some kind of contact before bed, intimate or not.

It works. Just ask the Lafonds. They also have some advice for new couples.

"Make sure you can laugh at things everyday," Deb said.

"Remember that the goal is to be together and make each other happy," Maurice said.