“The goal in marriage is not to think alike, but to think together.” – Robert C. Dodds
We all want to have a healthy relationship with our partner. Building relationships take time and effort. Relationships are not built overnight and can take years to develop into a strong bond.
Every person’s journey with their partner is different. Remember every relationship in life goes through ups and downs, whether it be with your siblings or partner. We all are humans and situations arise in life where things may be more difficult.
The key to maintaining a healthy relationship is working together as a team. Good communication, effort, and compromise are keys to building that strong foundation. You will have disagreements but it is how you work through them that determines the strength of your relationship. Here are relationship tips to help build a healthy relationship with your partner
10 Relationship tips to make your relationship stronger
Communcation is key
I can’t emphasize this enough but communication is the foundation of any relationship.
You should be comfortable enough with your partner that you communicate everything be it bad or good.
This includes expressing your feelings, thoughts, and concerns.
If your partner does something that bothers you, talk to them about it. Don’t just ignore it. And don’t expect them to read your mind.
Communicating regularly and after fights will help you and your partner maintain a healthy relationship
Set up some time regularly, to communicate how things are going between the two of you. Remember your partner is like your best friend so treat them like one.
Understand the other persons needs
In order to build a strong relationship with someone, you need to understand them. What makes them happy? What do they like?
Everyone is unique and it might be different from what you think is right.
You don’t have to agree with everything your partner does but try and understand why they do the things they do.
Understand your partners love languages
Sometimes why we fail to build healthy relationships is because we don’t understand what makes the other person feel loved.
In order to feel loved, everyone has different love languages. Some people feel loved when they receive gifts, others feel loved when they are given quality time and others feel loved when they receive words of affirmation.
You and your partner should take the time to understand each other’s love language and try to cater to it as often as possible.
This doesn’t mean you have to do something big, it could be as simple as cuddling on the couch or telling your partner how much you appreciate them.
Make quality time for each other
As time goes by in your relationship and because of the busy world we live in.
It’s easy to let time with our partner slip away. The time spent together is limited to eating dinner, watching tv, or sharing a bed.
But, if you want your relationship to last, you need to make the effort. Spend time with each other away from the daily routine.
Spice up your relationship by planning dates or doing something that your partner wasn’t expecting. This will keep your relationship and show the other person you care.
Listen and practice empathy
“The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them.”— Ralph Nichol
Listening is the key to any successful relationship.
When we are listening, we are not only hearing the words that our partner is saying but we are trying to understand their feelings and emotions.
Empathy is feeling what the other person is feeling. So, not only are you listening to your partner, you are also trying to understand them.
This is a skill that can be learned and takes practice.
Try not to judge or criticize your partner when they confide in you. Just listen and try to understand.
Give in and compromise
Many of us tend to do things that meet only our needs and requirements. It is important in any relationship that you compromise.
There are going to be times when you have to give in and compromise. It’s not always easy but it’s worth it in the end.
If your partner really wants to go out and you don’t want to, maybe compromise and go for a shorter time.
It’s not about who is right or wrong, it’s about making each other happy.
This should work both ways and the behavior should be healthy and balanced.
Vunerability is important
The power of vulnerability is something that Brené Brown has talked about in-depth. According to her, vulnerability is “uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure.” It’s the fear of being vulnerable that keeps us from feeling connected to others.
In order to have a strong relationship, you have to be vulnerable. You have to be able to share your fears, your doubts, and your concerns with your partner. This takes a lot of trust but it’s worth it in the end.
When you’re vulnerable, you’re open to the possibility of being hurt but you’re also open to the possibility of feeling connected and loved. And that’s what a strong relationship is all about.
Forget and Forgive
No relationship is perfect and every couple goes through ups and downs at some point. It is important to be able to distinguish between when things are toxic or vice versa.
If your partner does something you don’t appreciate, once you have communicated let it go. Don’t keep bringing it up, it will only cause resentment.
The same goes for you, if you do something that your partner doesn’t appreciate, apologize and let it go. Holding onto grudges will only harm the relationship in the long run.
Give each other Space
It’s important to have some time apart in order to maintain your individuality.
This could mean taking a break from each other during the weekend or going out with friends without your partner.
It’s not about breaking up, it’s about having time for yourself and respecting your partner’s need for space as well.
Focus on the positives
This one is definitely easier said than done but it’s important.
No relationship is perfect and you’re going to have your share of fights. But, if you can focus on the positives, it will make things a lot easier.
Think about all the good times you’ve had together, the things you love about each other, and write them down.
When things get tough, refer back to these things and it will help remind you why you’re in this relationship in the first place.
Final words on building a healthy relationship
Relationships take work. They need attention and they require a lot of patience in order to be successful.
It all comes down to communicating and understanding each other. The most important thing is that no matter how tough things get, try working on your relationship or speak to a therapist.
Are you interested in becoming closer as a couple, our 30-day relationship challenge is designed specifically for you.
