Ever wonder if it’s too good to be true? Scared it might not work out? When it comes to relationships, it’s the little things that matter most and consistency is often the key. I’m a firm believer in happy endings so if you want your boy-meets-girl love story, here are some tips on how to maintain a healthy relationship:
Don't make your partner you’re everything
As simple as this sounds, whether you see it or not many people are guilty for this. We care and love too deeply and arguably too quickly that we forget to live our own lives. Most relationships fail if you’re joined at the hips. Doing everything together is not healthy for your relationship or yourself. Having to think about someone else’s needs as well as your own doesn’t mean you have to make it all about your partner. If you just concentrate on the merged life you’ve created together then you’re in for a heck of a surprise when things fall apart.
It is very easy to lose sight on what’s important, while consumed with your relationship. Don’t forget who you had around you before you got with your partner, as it’s important to not lose your friends while maintaining a relationship because if it fails (and invariably it will), it’ll be your friends that will help you pick up the pieces.
Communication is key
Communication is fundamental in a healthy relationship. You should never feel the need to agree with everything your partner says and hold back expressing your feelings and opinions to one another because if they don’t know what’s going on, they won’t be able to fix the problem or move forward with you. Keeping problems to yourself can often lead to resentment. It is always good to share personal feelings with each other to stay connected over the long-term.
A good healthy relationship will have its arguments and that’s completely fine, as long as the fights are not destructive and damaging. Disagreements will help you grow together and help you compromise as well as understand your partner more.
Appreciation
We're all guilty of somewhere along the line being too comfortable with our partner. Instead of saying something out of habit, make sure your gestures of appreciation are genuine. We all want to feel heard and valued – a simple thank you can go a long way.
Have your own space
If you rely on your partner for everything you are cooking up a sad life for yourself. Before they came into your life what were you doing with your time? Don’t lose grip of who you are in this journey because it’s only you that can truly control your happiness, no one else. Truth is, even the best relationships fail.
If life throws a curveball at you, you don’t want to be left with nothing and the dignity that used to be. As a couple, it is only natural that you have the desire to be with each other but at the same time you must understand that having your own space and being alone not only helps individual growth but is healthy for the relationship. It makes your partner want to spend time with you than rather than having to spend time with you.
There is no rush
Being in a relationship is not a competition. We live in a world where other people’s happiness and sorrow can affect our own state of being. Every person, every relationship is different – not everything you see is real. Some people get so caught up with knowing other people’s relationship status and business that they forget to work on their own. You should never rush the present state of your relationship. Obsessing about your happy ending can be thrilling but don’t forget to enjoy the journey along the way.
Equals
When one partner supresses another, the relationship is most likely to fail. A healthy relationship is when two people indulge love for each other but most importantly have the utmost respect for one another. If your partner lacks this trait then believe me, they're not the one for you.
