Crazy Jamie
February 1st, 2005, 09:40 AM
It is a common misconception that as soon as you are in a relationship with someone the hard work is done, and the rest is relatively straightforward. The reality is that a relationship is a whole new world, and is just the start of something completely different. A relationship is something that can trigger fantastic emotions and powerful feelings, but it also brings with it a whole new realm of issues and complications. It is impossible to include every possible relationship issue in one thread, but what follows is a list of tips and advice to ensure that your relationship remains healthy and lasts for as long as possible.
Communicate: Probably the single most important thing in a relationship- communication is absolutely vital. It covers just about every other issue that comes up in a relationship, hence the reason why it is mentioned first. Many relationships fail because one or both of the people involved has poor communication skills. People have a habit of bottling up feelings (both positive and negative) in a relationship and this can only have negative consequences. And the most frustrating thing in these situations is that it is actually really easy to prevent such problems. If you have a problem in a relationship, talk about it with your partner! Simply talking through things can resolve so many issues. Similarly if you appreciate something that your partner has done or feel a particular way then tell them! Obviously going over the top with compliments is a mistake, but leaving them out completely is equally wrong. Overall just remember that relationships are about a link between two people, and to make that link grow communication is necessary. Don't forget it.
Ensure adequate 'alone time': Making sure that both and your partner have adequate alone time in a relationship away from the other person is also very important. No matter how good a relationship may be, anyone can get suffocated if they do not have enough personal space. This tends to be a problem more for guys than girls, but girls do get it too. The solution to this is simple- in a serious relationship were there is very refular contact just make sure that each person has the time alone that they need. When someone needs time away from the other person it does not mean that the relationship is going through a rocky patch- it is just a natural need in a relationship. Regardless of how well the relationship may be going don't ignore this necessity- make sure you both get the time to yourselves that you need.
See things from their perspective: Every relationship has it's bad moments and it's problems, and the mark of a good relationship is how quickly these problems can be solved. As well as good communication as explained above, it also helps to keep an open mind in such situations. Try to put yourself in your partner's position and imagine things from their perspective. Try to understand the way they are feeling. It seems so simple when thought about, but if you take time to do it then it will almost certainly help you to resolve the situation more efficiently, and will minimise any potential problem.
Communicate: Probably the single most important thing in a relationship- communication is absolutely vital. It covers just about every other issue that comes up in a relationship, hence the reason why it is mentioned first. Many relationships fail because one or both of the people involved has poor communication skills. People have a habit of bottling up feelings (both positive and negative) in a relationship and this can only have negative consequences. And the most frustrating thing in these situations is that it is actually really easy to prevent such problems. If you have a problem in a relationship, talk about it with your partner! Simply talking through things can resolve so many issues. Similarly if you appreciate something that your partner has done or feel a particular way then tell them! Obviously going over the top with compliments is a mistake, but leaving them out completely is equally wrong. Overall just remember that relationships are about a link between two people, and to make that link grow communication is necessary. Don't forget it.
Ensure adequate 'alone time': Making sure that both and your partner have adequate alone time in a relationship away from the other person is also very important. No matter how good a relationship may be, anyone can get suffocated if they do not have enough personal space. This tends to be a problem more for guys than girls, but girls do get it too. The solution to this is simple- in a serious relationship were there is very refular contact just make sure that each person has the time alone that they need. When someone needs time away from the other person it does not mean that the relationship is going through a rocky patch- it is just a natural need in a relationship. Regardless of how well the relationship may be going don't ignore this necessity- make sure you both get the time to yourselves that you need.
See things from their perspective: Every relationship has it's bad moments and it's problems, and the mark of a good relationship is how quickly these problems can be solved. As well as good communication as explained above, it also helps to keep an open mind in such situations. Try to put yourself in your partner's position and imagine things from their perspective. Try to understand the way they are feeling. It seems so simple when thought about, but if you take time to do it then it will almost certainly help you to resolve the situation more efficiently, and will minimise any potential problem.