We all need love and the bottom line is that love is love. We all need to feel connected, appreciated and loved but especially by our partners. Every romantic relationship goes through the roller coaster of ups and downs and most of all they take a lot of work, commitment, and adaptability to grow and change with your partner. Whether your relationship is just starting out in the feel good butterfly stage or you’ve been together for 20 years, there are always steps you can take to improve or create a healthy relationship. No matter how many relationships or experiences you’ve had in the past there’s always hope, we’ve gathered some basic tips to help you take your first steps in the right direction.
Tip 1: Do not fear disagreement
No matter how great your zodiac signs align or your MBTI personality lines up, every couple will have disagreements and arguments. How you and your partner communicate is key; this will ultimately set the tone for the entire relationship. Having both parties feel safe and comfortable about expressing their needs, issues, goals, and desires is critical to a healthy relationship and especially through conflict resolution. Both parties need to feel safe about expressing things without feeling vengeances.
Tip 2: Keep intimacy hot
Touch is a crucial part to our being. The science behind it is simple, affection boosts the level of oxytocin. Oxytocin increases our desire to bond. Physical intimacy doesn’t always have to be in the form of sex. Holding hands, hugging, kissing, and cuddling are all forms of affection that helps boost relationships. Obviously you both need to be aware to what your partner likes and is comfortable with. Again, communication is a key factor in keeping the intimacy fire blazing. Regardless of your work deadlines, children, or any other hurdle life throws at you, carving out regular time for affection is a huge tip in maintaining a healthy relationship.
Tip 3: It won’t always be 50/50 and that’s okay
The only consistent thing in life is the inconsistency. You never know what curve ball the universe is going to throw at you. A healthy relationship’s foundation is built on compromise. It takes work on everyone’s part to make sure that there is a balance. Sometimes one partner may be really struggling. This may make it extremely challenging to relate to each other. You might have different ideas of coping but people cope with stress differently, and you both just have to be ready to give a little extra here and there.
Relationships are hard and they take lots of work, some days will be harder than others but relationships are also one of the most beautiful experiences. If you and your partner are struggling or feel you might need some extra help improving your relationship, reach out together. Having an outside person help is not a bad thing nor should it be viewed as a last alternative for a “failing relationship.” Sometimes problems in a relationship can seem too complex or overwhelming for you to handle on your own. Couples therapy could be a positive solution and step in growing your relationship.