Wouldn’t it be nice if love and relationships worked just like in the movies? You walk down the street one day, almost get hit by a bus, but instead a ridiculously good looking guy pushes you out of the way, you end up going to dinner, you fall in love, and everything is perfect. Ha! Sounds great, but that’s hardly reality is it? In real life, making a relationship work takes effort, and it’s not always easy.
Real relationships take work
In order to maintain a good relationship, you need to focus your efforts on some key parts of your relationship that will keep both of you happy.
Keep the spark alive
No matter what anybody tells you, sex is definitely an important part of a relationship. Being intimate with each other in this way not only helps relieve stress, but it gives you both a moment when your relationship is just about you again. You don’t think about the pressures of work, the mortgage, the stupid arguments you might have been having. Instead, you get back to the carnal bliss of just being together with each other. Making time for this at least two times per week is crucial to a good relationship.
Do something together
Not all couples have all the same hobbies, although kudos to those who do. For most couples however, it may take some effort to find something you both really love to do, but it’s important. Even if it’s something as simple as doing the Sunday crossword puzzle together over coffee, cooking a new meal together or going for runs in the park. Finding an activity that you can connect over will keep you closer together. Find time to do this activity at least once a week.
Hang with your friends – separately
It’s easy for couples to get into a groove where they do almost everything together. And while it’s good to enjoy each other’s company, it’s also important for both of you to spend time with your own friends away from your partner. This keeps you both from feeling stuck, bored or even resentful against your partner. Plus, laughing with the girls over stuff that only girls would ‘get’ is fun! And same for him (with his guys of course). So take a rbeak and go out with your own friends – chances are you’ll miss each other by the time you’re back.
COMMUNICATE
This is seriously important. So many couples avoid talking about serious things because they don’t want to ruin what they have. This attitude will, unfortunately, be the demise of any relationship. Issues and even arguments will definitely come up with every couple, but it’s learning how to deal with them that make it work. When something is bothering you, just tell you partner in the most level, non-accusing way. Then offer him a solution on how you think it can be fixed. Encourage him to do the same.
Accept each other
If you don’t like your partner dresses, or acts when out in a crowd – then they’re not the right person for you. Changing these things about someone is essentially changing their personality, and that’s not going to work. They will end up being resentful of you for not allowing them to be themselves. And, since you’re forcing them to be someone they’re not, they won’t always be able to act the way you want them to. Every person does silly things some times, so you need to decide if you can accept your partner as they are. If not, don’t try to change them – just move on.
Know that love isn’t a fairy tale
Like I said before – love isn’t quite like it is in Hollywood movies or Disney cartoons. No relationship is perfect, but some are really amazing. Keep your desires realistic, and work as a team to get through any issues that you may face, and you’ve got a recipe for a long-lasting relationship.
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