All too often, people think that relationships should be easy. They think that simply showing up is enough. Sometimes it's the movies that convince us of this. We see those couples that seem just perfect, never fight, and have non-stop romance. Unfortunately, this is not reality, and anyone who has been in a long-term relationship will tell you that they are work, a lot of work. If you want to avoid breakups and try having positive long-lasting relationships, these suggestions are known to have positive results
Keep Your Sense of Self
Especially when in the honeymoon phase of a new relationship, it can be hard to remember that you are your own person. You were your own person before you even met your mate, and it is important to keep that person alive. You don't want your individuality to be smothered by the 'couple cocoon'. Keeping a strong sense of self by maintaining separate interests and staying in touch with friends is the way to personal fulfillment. People who are happy and confident in themselves bring those strengths to their relationships.
Communicate
Communication is key. If there is an issue brewing, even if you do not want to talk about, avoiding it will only turn it into a ticking time bomb. Issues that fester remain unresolved and come out in other negative ways. You will want to talk about red flags or hurt feelings right when they happen before they fester and grow. 'State of the Union' meetings are a good idea. These occur when a couple decides to set aside a certain amount a time, sometimes the same time every week, to talk about the state of their relationship. This allows the individuals to check in with each other, see if one is feeling anything the other is unaware of. If there is an issue to address, it can be talked about, resolved, and moved forward from. The more times this occurs, the stronger the relationship will be as both parties see how they can work through things together and move forward.
When it comes to having a good relationship, like most things in life, you get what you put it. With a few things to keep in mind like the importance of keeping your own identity and constantly keeping the lines of communication open, positive relationships can flourish and grow. Breakups are hard but are sometimes avoidable. If you want to turn potential breakups into positive long-term relationships, think about what you bring to the table in who you are; don't change yourself too much. Each person should come to a relationship fulfilled in themselves. Communicating, as in all relationships, romantic or otherwise, is of the utmost importance.
Keep Your Sense of Self
Especially when in the honeymoon phase of a new relationship, it can be hard to remember that you are your own person. You were your own person before you even met your mate, and it is important to keep that person alive. You don't want your individuality to be smothered by the 'couple cocoon'. Keeping a strong sense of self by maintaining separate interests and staying in touch with friends is the way to personal fulfillment. People who are happy and confident in themselves bring those strengths to their relationships.
Communicate
Communication is key. If there is an issue brewing, even if you do not want to talk about, avoiding it will only turn it into a ticking time bomb. Issues that fester remain unresolved and come out in other negative ways. You will want to talk about red flags or hurt feelings right when they happen before they fester and grow. 'State of the Union' meetings are a good idea. These occur when a couple decides to set aside a certain amount a time, sometimes the same time every week, to talk about the state of their relationship. This allows the individuals to check in with each other, see if one is feeling anything the other is unaware of. If there is an issue to address, it can be talked about, resolved, and moved forward from. The more times this occurs, the stronger the relationship will be as both parties see how they can work through things together and move forward.
When it comes to having a good relationship, like most things in life, you get what you put it. With a few things to keep in mind like the importance of keeping your own identity and constantly keeping the lines of communication open, positive relationships can flourish and grow. Breakups are hard but are sometimes avoidable. If you want to turn potential breakups into positive long-term relationships, think about what you bring to the table in who you are; don't change yourself too much. Each person should come to a relationship fulfilled in themselves. Communicating, as in all relationships, romantic or otherwise, is of the utmost importance.