5 ways of making this next relationship your strongest!

Chemistry alone is not an indicator of a successful long-term relationship. Going the distance takes effort (on both parts) and a real dedication to making it work. Once the honeymoon phase is over and routine kicks in we tend to forget that it’s often the smaller and less obvious things that make or break a relationship.

Happy and healthy relationships are built on fundamental behaviours that ensure both partner’s needs are met, leading to a deeper understanding and strengthened the bond.

Communication

To quote Salt-N-Pepa, “Let’s talk about sex, baby.” Yes, sex is a form of communication. One form. There are so many other ways couples communicate and every person has different needs. Knowing how your partner needs to be shown love – touch, words, gestures, intimacy – will make all the difference. Don’t fall into the trap thinking that just because you are a touchy-feely person, your partner is the same. He/she may feel loved when they are praised or told they are loved. Happy couples understand this difference and make a real effort to show their partner they are loved in a way they understand.

Compromise

In a healthy partnership, winning isn’t about having the last word or being right. It’s about each of you feeling happy with the outcome. When your ego becomes more important than your relationship you’re on a path that will only lead to heartache. It all comes back to communication – truly hearing your partner and understanding what they need is just as important as your own needs. The key is to focus what this means for your partnership and less for you as an individual, from there you work towards a mutually happy outcome.

Trust

You can’t be in a relationship when you don’t trust your partner. If your partner displays behaviours that make you suspicious even though you aren’t a jealous person, it won’t work. Equally, if you mistrust your current partner because you’ve been hurt in the past and you’re reading into things, your relationship is going to fail. Trust boils down to respect and healthy boundaries. Identify what a trusting partnership looks like to each of you and communicate this to each other.

“Thank you” and “I’m sorry”

Words almost as hard to utter as “I love you”, but words that can bond and heal. Admitting when you are wrong or showing gratitude for your partner are key factors for any relationship but especially a romantic one. No one is always right and no one likes to be taken for granted. Hearing a sincere “I’m sorry for….” shows maturity, vulnerability and a high degree of self-awareness. On the flipside – forgiveness and gratitude are equally as important.

Commitment

This means different things to different people. Some couples are in an open relationship whereas others prefer a more traditional approach. Make sure these boundaries clear from the start. Set an expectation early on before you get too invested. Honesty and authenticity are integral to building a solid foundation for your partnership.

Follow this advice and you’ll be sure on your way to a mature and lasting relationship.

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Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash