6 Tips for a Great Relationship
What does it take to have a great relationship?
Many people will say “a great partner.” Well, yes, that helps too, but it doesn’t predict relationship satisfaction alone. Even if you have a great partner, your relationship may not be great, because you don’t do certain basic things that actually make a relationship great. Here is a list of six tips that will help you improve your relationship and increase your, and your partner’s, satisfaction.
1. Stop worrying about the future of the relationship and focus on the present
Many people in good or average relationships ask themselves the wrong question “where is this relationship going?” It may be a marriage or other romantic relationship, new or of many years. When you start obsessing with the direction the relationship is taking, then there’s a problem; that means you don’t invest in the here and now. Which brings us to our next point.
2. Invest in having fun
That’s crucial! Have fun with your partner. A daily dose of fun is the best nourishment for any relationship. What are some activities that you enjoy doing together? Do more of them! Consider exploring new hobbies or interests together. Even everyday moments, such as watching TV together, when done mindfully, with hugging, giggling, massaging each other, can become fun, bonding moments.
3. Invest in a fulfilling sex life
As simple as that. Sexual satisfaction for both partners is important to have a great relationship. Tell each other what turns you on. Explore what feels good, add a few thrills in order to put more energy in your relationship. Invest in hugs, kisses, and foreplay, as sex is also about feeling connected to your partner. And don’t forget to stop keeping score of who initiated.
4. Cultivate appreciation for your partner
All you have to do is “catch ’em being good” and appreciate it! Seriously. With so much going on relationships, and with human brain being like Teflon for positive experiences and Velcro for negative ones, we tend to see the problems, the difficulties, and the weaknesses. What about trying a different approach? Studies show that by cultivating gratitude we create more positive feelings and abundance in our life. Research also shows that your own gratitude for your partner predicts that your partner will feel more satisfied. And all this positivity leads to feeling more committed to the relationship.
5. Look for the best in your relationship and partner
The human brain has a wonderful capacity; to direct its attention consciously and process information in such a way that it makes sense. Studies on perception and attention show that we can largely affect our reality by the way we perceive things. To put it in simpler words, it’s the proverbial half full or half empty glass. The way we perceive it will determine our future actions and the way we see the world. If we choose to see the best in our partner and relationship (of course we shouldn’t delude ourselves!), then we train our brain to see goodness and kindness. That by itself is great for our relationship.
6. Have a positive relationship with yourself
To have a good relationship with another, you need to start with yourself. Do you love and value yourself? Do you take good care of yourself? Get to know your strengths and weaknesses and accept them for what they are. Appreciate who you are and don’t try to be someone else. Involve in personal development from a standpoint of inner strength and strive for excellence, not out of fear. Be aware of your thoughts and feelings and accept them. Learn to speak nicely and positively to yourself.
If you liked this story, consider clapping once, twice, as many times as you ‘d like, so that it can reach more people. Thank you in advance! Best, Liza
