Five Steps to a Healthy Relationship
Every relationship has its bumps and they can pop up at any time. What's important is that, you learn to navigate those problems smoothly, before they send your relationship into a ditch. Follow these five steps to achieve a healthy relationship:
Focus on the good parts
Boredom, frustration and everyday irritations can douse the spark between you and your partner. Compliment your partner even for the smallest of things and be sure that, what you mention is heartfelt and specific. Revel in the best qualities; let faults aside.
Remember to smile
The classic advice that experts give to singles seeking a perfect match: Be "The One" to attract "The One". The same rule applies to relationships. The happier you feel, the happier your relationship will be and the easier it will be to manage conflicts.
Always fight fair
Facing a conflict is normal. It is even considered to be a healthy part of any relationship. What's important is, how you handle the fight. Happy couples avoid verbalising critical thoughts, keep discussions from escalating and do not use absolutes like "never" and "always". If a fight does start, try to change the subject, inject gentle humour, empathies or show your partner extra appreciation. Too late? Call a truce, walk away and cool off for a while.
Pick the right time and place
Don't start potentially tough talks if you're not well rested and well fed. Hunger and fatigue can unleash nasty remarks and dark thoughts. Don't try to deal with serious issues if you've got one eye on something else. Turn off the television, phone and laptop. If you're distracted or going out the door, pick another time to talk. You can't resolve conflicts on the fly.
Be a good listener
The single most powerful step to keep a healthy relationship is to speak less and listen more. When feelings are at issue, they need to be heard. So, nod a soft "um-hum" to show that you honour the emotions behind the words. Sometimes, to feel closer to someone means to pay closer attention to what they are saying.
If you play by the rules, the trust, affection, and fun in your relationship will be stronger than ever.
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