RELATIONSHIP ADVICE

Relationship advice for couples isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. However, there are common principles that will help anyone create an amazing relationship. A great relationship that stands the test of time takes effort and work. It requires the two people involved to meet each other halfway and commit to growing as individuals and as a couple. A lot of people
get stuck with the belief that, if a relationship takes work, then that must mean that two people aren't meant to be together.

Yes, some people are naturally more compatible than others. However, at the end of the day, I have yet to meet an amazing couple that didn't tell me that being together doesn't take work.
The fairytale notion that “love conquers all” is a nice way of thinking. However, at the end of the day, love is a choice. It is an unconditional commitment that you are willing to show up for an imperfect person.

People who hold high growth beliefs report that an ideal relationship develops over time, that challenges to a relationship can make it even stronger, and that successful relationships are mostly the result of hard work and learning to resolve incompatibilities. How you show up in your relationship is everything.If you are currently in a relationship, these principles will set a strong foundation for moving forward. Similarly, if you are experiencing some challenges in your relationship, you can practice these principles with your partner in order to make things better. 

Check in On Your Relationship;

When it comes to expressing feelings, it can be hard for some people to be vulnerable and share what is on their mind, for fear of rejection. However, I am a big believer that communication is the foundation of a happy and healthy relationship. If you don't feel comfortable talking to your partner about your needs, wants and desires, then you need to re-think about this relationship. People are constantly growing and evolving, which means that relationships are as well. That is why it's important that you take the time to reflect on what you love about your relationship and express that to your partner.

Don't Take Your Partner for Granted;

In the beginning stages of a relationship, there is a honeymoon phase. Every small thing that you do with someone makes you feel excited and happy. However, as people become more comfortable with someone, sometimes they lose the spark. They don't feel like they need to try
as hard to win over the other person. As a result, partners can take each other for granted.Despite how long you have been with someone, don't forget to pay your partner a compliment, show them how much you appreciate them, go on fun dates, or give them a nice gift. Do whatever it takes to keep the passion going strong. You had it once. There is no reason why you can't maintain it. As someone once said, “Don't stop doing what you did to get them once you had them.”

Build A Life Outside of Your Relationship;

If your entire world revolves around your relationship, you are most likely not taking time to nurture friendships or take care of yourself. Maintaining a sense of autonomy is critical.
Author Tara Parker-Pope says that “The happiest couples, she says, are those who have interests and support beyond the twosome.”
when you are in love, it's easy to want to be around someone all the time, but it's not necessarily healthy. Various surveys show that happy couples maintain friendships and hobbies outside the . How many times have you heard about friends that complain that they never see their friends anymore now that they are in relationships? It's a problem. Don't rely on your partner for your happiness and fulfillment.. 

Let Go of the Small Stuff;

Why sweat the small stuff? According to psychology today “Unfortunately, as most relationships mature, couples can find themselves bickering over small things.” Sure, there comes a point in every relationship when we get annoyed with something that our partner does, whether that's forgetting to pick up the laundry on the floor or speaking loudly when we are trying to focus on our work. It can be easy to obsess about the small things that annoy you, but it comes down to loving your partner unconditionally. Nobody is perfect! We cannot change our partner, so why don't we just accept them for who they are and realize that their little quirks make them unique? Oftentimes, when we are annoyed about things that our partner does, it is merely a projection of how we are feeling. I'm not saying that you shouldn't talk about things that are important to you. However, there comes a point in time when you need to let go of the bickering and just focus on being happy and having an

appreciation for one another.

Take Responsibility for Your Behavior;

Taking responsibility for your behavior is an important part of an amazing relationship. It reminds your partner that you are willing to be open and honest, which in turn, inspires them to do the same. When two people are in conflict with one another, it's easy to play the blame game. It creates feelings of defensiveness and stubbornness.
Every argument can become a “he said, she said” scenario. However, it's important to realize that you are the only person that is responsible for how you react. We all make mistakes. Admitting to your faults and forgiving your partner for theirs builds trust and open communication. Once people are able to take ownership of their behavior and stop the circle of
blame, it has the power to transform every area of their relationship

Create A Vision for Your Relationship;

We enter into relationships with our own vision of what we want a relationship to look like. If our partner isn't aligned with our vision, that's when things can fall apart. If you aren't going in the same direction as someone, then you are wasting your time. It sounds harsh, but it's the truth.
Couples that don't have a shared vision for their relationship end up struggling because they don't feel aligned. Take the time to honor and listen to your partner's needs and values. Your relationship vision should bring a sense of meaning to your lives. When you both know what you want to create, you can start taking action to make those dreams a reality. Antoine de Saint-Exupery said it best – “Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.”

Commit to Loving Your Partner Unconditionally;

Unconditional love is completely selfless. Loving your partner unconditionally means that you accept them for who they are, despite their flaws and their scars. It means respecting and honoring their needs and helping them to become the best version of themselves.

Oftentimes, selfishness is what kills relationships. When you only focus on yourself, your partner doesn't feel seen or heard. Love is a choice. Falling in love is the easy part but staying in love and making things work when life gets hard is a whole new ball game. You need to wake up every day, making a commitment to your partner that you want to make an effort. Relationships aren't always rain bowing and butterflies, but if you love someone, it's worth it.

STEPHANIE. E HEMEN