While people think that love is the most important thing in a relationship, it needs more than that. A couple needs to constantly work on issues together to make a relationship work. They also need to allow each other to grow individually. Here are 12 tried and tested tips to ensure that your relationship stands the test of time.
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Never Take Each Other for Granted
Many people take their partners for granted, only to realize this mistake when the damage is irreversible. It would help to “show appreciation often“‘ and “treat your spouse respectfully and kindly.“
Support With Respect Is Key
Another excellent advice is to support your partner with respect and not view them as people who need fixing or saving.
There Is No Reason to Keep Score
“You are both on the same team,” states a poster.
One mom gave similar sound advice at her daughter’s wedding, “Marriage is not a 50/50 relationship or an 80/20 relationship. There will be times when you will be carrying 100 percent of the marriage when they cannot help or contribute. And sometimes they have to give 100 percent because you can’t be there for them.”
The Grass Is Greener Where You Water It
This tip explains, “You have to nurture any relationship you are in. If you don’t put any effort into it, it’s obviously going to die out.” So, instead of focusing on other relationships, work on yours.
Don’t Lose Yourself as an Individual
Another important relationship tip is not to lose your individuality. People who lose themselves have difficulty rediscovering themselves once the relationship ends. One poster writes, “You’re still an individual, but you’re also part of a team.”
Another adds, “I always think that a couple are not two halves of each other, but two whole people with each other.”
Be Each Other’s Biggest Supporter and Cheerleader
Having your partner’s back can also go a long way toward grounding your relationship. One user with a supportive partner writes, “He makes me feel like I am never alone taking on the weight of the world.”
Discuss Life Goals and Financial Habits Before Getting Married
Before you get married, ensure you are on the same page on life goals, kids, and financial habits. “If you disagree, don’t push it off as a future issue. It will make it worse,” reads a post.
“If one person wants 6 kids and the other wants to be childless, that’s a problem. If one person has champagne tastes and spending habits, but you as a couple have a boxed wine budget, then that is a problem,” a commentator points out.
Practice Active Listening
Active listening involves not being distracted (on the phone or watching movies), showing empathy, and reflecting on your partner’s emotions after they tell you how they feel (for example, “You must feel heartbroken. I would be devastated too.“)
Also, “ask questions to clarify what you heard.“
Don’t Look for a Relationship Just for the Sake of Being in a Relationship
Also, no one is keeping a score on whether or not you are in a relationship. So, instead of rushing into one, note that “not having a romantic relationship is better than being in a bad one.”
Laugh at Each Other’s Embarrassing Moments
In other words, “never stop dating.” Enjoy each other’s company, keep the romance alive, and share ‘”moments of utter silliness.”
Your Partner Can’t Read Your Mind
“Communication is the key,” reads a post. Your partner cannot read your mind to understand you are mad at them. Additionally, “pushing stuff down and then letting it blow up” is unhealthy for any relationship.
Relationships in Fiction Are Fictional
Lastly, don’t compare your relationship with relationships in fiction or social media. “They aren’t realistic and are often unhealthy,” writes a user about relationships in romance novels.
Source: Reddit
Featured Photo from Shutterstock
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