The following are tips on how to build a healthy relationship with your significant other. It is not an extensive list but it is enough to build a core foundation.
When it comes to choosing a partner, choose someone wisely. Evaluate a potential choice as you would a friend; look at their personality, values, character, their generosity of spirit, the relationship between their words and actions, their relationship with others.
Learn each other’s beliefs about relationships. You want to find someone who is on the same page as you and respects your beliefs.
Don’t confuse sex with love. Especially in the beginning. Attraction and pleasure can often times be mistaken for love.
Know what your needs are in a relationship. A relationship should never be about guessing. Many men and woman try to camouflage their needs when we should be comfortable enough to admit them. If we do not express our needs, the result is usually disappointment, which causing anger at the partner. Your partner is not a mind reader.
RESPECT. Inside and outside of the relationship. This rule applies inside and outside of a relationship. Mutual respect is essential for a good relationship
Teamwork. View yourselves as a team. As a team you are brining unique perspectives and strengths to the relationship.
Learn how to manage your differences. Having disagreements is normal, but how you deal with them can make or break a relationship. Learn how to handle these differences and talk them out. Avoiding conflicts is not managing them.
Don’t assume things. If you don’t like something your partner is doing, ask about it. Talk and explore.
Listen. Learn to truly listen to your partner. Listen to their concerns and complains without judgments. Look at things from your partners perspective and your perspective. Bringing your ideas together may help solve a problem.
Maintain a level of closeness with each other. A good relationship isn’t an end goal; its a lifelong process maintained through regular attention.
Long-term goals. Regularly take a look back at each others long term goals and update those goals together.
Never go to sleep angry with each other.
Apologize. Learn to apologize if you made a mistake. Willingness to make up after an argument is central to every happy marriage.
Cooperate. Share responsibilities. Relationships are a two way street, with much give and take.
Be spontaneous.
All relationships have ups and downs. Getting through the hard times makes the relationship stronger.
Embrace the journey together. Life is too short not to enjoy it with someone else.
