We are in a generation where
relationships are ending each and every day for very awkward reasons. Divorce
has advanced technologically and is happening via social media status and its
done.
Relationship is a sweet thing if you
end up with the right person in your life and when due respect is accorded as
per how it is deserved. I happened to stumble upon some tips on how to keep
your relationships ever blazing like fire.
Read on
1. Burn your blueprint.
Get rid
of whatever fantasies you have about being in love. Life is different from what
is seen in the movies. There is no script, so don’t be disappointed when your
fairytale gets hijacked.
2.
Forgive.
Didn’t
Jesus say something about forgiving someone not just seven times but seventy
times seven? That would be 490 times….which should last you through your first
6 months. Jesus underestimated because, remember, he wasn’t married.
3. And
forget.
If you forgive
but don’t forget, did you really forgive? Do not be those people who claim to
have forgiven but still use every available opportunity to bring it up.
4. Be a
good teammate.
Life
can come at you hard. One of the nice things about marriage and relationships
is being able to have someone else in the bunker when you’re getting shelled.
5.
Grow.
If you
still have the same desires, opinions and beliefs at age 50 that you did at age
25, that’s your own damn fault. You will not, and should not, be the same
person you were then.
6. And
adapt.
Even if
you stagnate, the person you’re in a relationship with will change. Don’t fight
it. Embrace it, learn from it, be thankful for it.
7. Find
your faith.
There
is great comfort in believing in something or someone beyond our crude human
existence. Explore this belief. Take this journey together.
8.
Travel together.
Travel
forces couples to rely on one another in unpredictable ways. It will also
broaden your worldview and the way you value your relationship.
9.
Develop your own interests.
It
seems counter-intuitive, but you will enhance your relationship when you pursue
your separate interests.
10.
Cultivate a wide, diverse circle of friends.
One of the greatest joys of
living is meeting new people. And many of the people you meet will likely make
you appreciate your mate even more.
11.
Don’t keep score.
Don’t
be that couple that keeps track of the number of times each partner completes a
household chore. Don’t! It’s exhausting and childish.
12.
Exercise.
You owe
it to each other to be in the best physical health possible. The mental side
effects from exercise will also be beneficial.
13.
Practice self-awareness.
Take
frequent looks in the mirror. Reflect on who you are and the contributions you
are making to your relationship. Are you being judgmental? Unfair? Harsh?
Hypercritical? Defensive?
14.
Admit that you’re wrong (even, on occasion, when you aren’t).
This is
both the easiest and hardest thing to do on this list. But this simple gesture
will pay immeasurable dividends; it will help you grow and it’s just the right
thing to do.
15.
Celebrate accomplishments big and small.
Whether
it’s a promotion at work or the police officer let you off with just a warning,
find every occasion possible to toast your good fortune.
16.
Surprise one another.
Fill up
her car. Let him sleep alone in the bed once in a while. Buy some bacon.
17.
It’s the good little things.
Holding the door, suggesting a movie night, paying
attention, the reward for these is greater than the sum of the parts.
18. And
it’s the bad little things.
Cracking
your knuckles, spitting, clearing your throat, picking your nose, chewing ice,
these are death by a thousand cuts to your relationship.
19.
Cultivate your finer qualities.
When do
you ever have an opportunity to really work on qualities that make you a better
person? In a strong relationship, you can do it every single day. Qualities
like patience, loyalty, compassion, trust.
20. The
bathroom is private.
If you
think it’s appealing to brush your teeth while she uses the toilet, you’ll
change your mind about that eventually.
21.
Talk about sex (but not just right before, during, or right after).
Sex is
an important part of any relationship. But for some reason couples don’t want
to discuss it unless they are in the throes of passion. Don’t make sex a taboo
subject.
By
ThoughtCatalog
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