Trust and commitment deepen as you travel through storms together.
Some of the most common ones aredefensiveness,poor communication skills, and lackingemotional intelligence.
Don’t be afraid to acknowledge that you’ve got room for growth.
Give each other space
Even people in happy, loving relationshipsneed alone time.
Develop an “I’m awesome” attitude
You and only you determine yourself-worth.
It doesn’t matter whether they stay or go or compliment or criticize you.
Your self-esteem needs to be like nonstick cookwarea third-party opinion slides right off, whether good or bad.
Take care of your own needs
You’re an adult, not a child.
As a result, you call the shots.
Want to go to the movies?
In partnership, you could ask the other person to help you meet your needs.
But, like you, they have their own needs and problems.
They may say no.
This is not a rejection.
If you make one person your be-all and end-all, they will resent it.
And so will you.
Communicate boundaries
More relationships die from silence than violence.
Do you bite your tongue when you’re upset?
Do you turn away from bad behavior?
Do you nag instead of enforcing consequences?
If you act “compliant” to keep the peace, you contribute to the inauthenticity of the relationship.
Decide to forge a different path: Speak up.
Create a truly open channel ofcommunicationwith your partner.
Never reward bad behavior
Psychology may explain bad behavior, but it doesn’t excuse it.
Set some ground rules.
But comfort is rarely an indication of a life well-lived.
But the symphony of opinions can sometimes drown out the only voice that mattersyour own.
Clear mental space, so you could hear yourintuition.
Can this relationship be saved?
Is it in your best interest?
Are you being pushed to grow?
Are you truly giving each other what you each need?
Your heart will never fail you, so learn to listen.
Flood it with affection
Relationships are supposed to be fun!
And joyous, and warm, andfilled with laughter and affection.
Make time to play together.
Create an atmosphere of levity and positivity when you’re together.
Speak lovingly to each other, always.
Hug each other, cuddle, and hold hands.
