A Relationship Guide from ValentinesIdeasForHer.com

Relationships come in all shapes and sizes. Certain scenarios work for some people, while others choose to do their relationship differently. Countless studies, research and articles have been written about maintaining a relationship. There are however some elements that are common to a large majority, and we’re going to take a closer look at a few of them here…

How to Keep Your Relationship on the Right Track

Be Transparent with Each Other

Having to second guess what your partner is doing or thinking, will make life very hard. Partners who keep each other informed are always going to feel much safer, secure and confident that their relationship is consistent. It does take much time to send a quick text message to say you’re running late, or you’ve forgotten to buy a loaf of bread on the way home. It will also reduce the chances of conflict, because nobody has to try and prise information, or try and make up a story off the back foot.

Communicate with Each Other

Good communication is the cornerstone of a successful relationship, and supports the element of transparency perfectly. We’ve been given the gift of speech for a reason, and one of those is to build and maintain a healthy relationship. Talking with your partner will mean there’s no second guessing, no sneaky behaviour and no unwelcome surprises.

Be Truthful

Transparency and communication go hand in glove with being honest and truthful with each other. After achieving the first two elements, you might as well go the whole hog and put everything on the table. It’ll certainly be much easier and more effective than constantly walking on eggshells, and only telling each other what you think they want to hear.

Enjoy Regular Date Nights

Regardless of work, kids and other commitments make a regular date night with your spouse. Use the time to converse openly and create a sense of romance. There are lots of ways you can enjoy your time together on these nights, not just by sitting across the table from each other in a restaurant. Go for a walk, take a picnic. How about a bike ride or a day at the beach? Changing the location of your date night will keep the occasion interesting, different and fun.

Set Aside a Regular Time to Discuss Your Relationship

If you haven’t got the time or finances to enjoy a regular date night, make sure you set aside some time every week, with no distractions, to talk about your relationship. Everyday life will very quickly get in the way, and distract you from working on your relationship and investing in its fabric. Both sides must work at keeping the bonds strong and work towards enjoyment, not just being content with living.

Teamwork

You should both take responsibility for everyday things, such as doing the laundry, cooking and walking the dog. This sense of teamwork will lead to a strong framework, and build a real sense of harmony. And while we appreciate that there are things either of you might be better at, some of your everyday chores can be done by either member of the team. Work together as a team and you’ll gain more understanding and enhance your connection.

Be Respectful

If you already hold your partner as your priority you already have respect for them. You understand what is important, and are more than prepared to put their needs before yours. But that doesn’t mean making sacrifices, more considering their opinions and feelings. Respect will follow naturally.

Good Sense of Humour

Having a good sense of humour, with regards a relationship, doesn’t mean you have to laugh at the same things. It means looking at life in a positive way and being optimistic, rather than pessimistic. If you’re lucky enough to enjoy a relationship that is strong and healthy then is there anything that’s really that serious? Enjoying life is all about seeing your glass is half full, rather than half empty, and to look for the silver lining in every cloud. It’s not the easiest of things to do, especially when modern life is so stressful.

Understand Each Other’s Habits

Have patience for your partner’s idiosyncrasies, because you’ve got them as well. We can all be a bit peculiar about certain things, we’re only human, but making allowances for these is what will keep your relationship strong. That doesn’t mean however, letting them get away with murder so to speak. Does your partner’s obsession with being on time make it a destructive or debilitating trait? Or is it something that you can live with, honestly? Understanding these oddities means you’re being considerate of their needs, and respecting that in a way that’s supportive rather than being undermining. After all nobody is perfect, and you have to love someone completely, warts and all.

Common Interests and Values

Your relationship is already on the rocky road to ruin if you don’t have some common interests. And to be honest, it’s not very likely that you’ve got very far if you don’t have a few things in common with your significant other half. You should also have common goals, beliefs and core values. This doesn’t mean you have to be joined at the hip, and feel unable to express your own feelings and opinions. A healthy relationship requires a certain amount of individuality, however close you might feel to the other person. But a vital part of a healthy relationship is enjoying things together, and sharing the passion for a certain subject or pastime. Sharing experiences and values is probably what brought you together, and is important in keeping your love for each other strong.

So to sum it all up…
A good relationship requires spending time together, always being truthful, respecting and considering each other, taking care of each other, laughing and enjoying what you share. Of course your life together will be a constant ebb and flow of emotions, but it’s important to stay focussed on why you came together in the first place, and you’ll soon be back on track.