To start a relationship is no where as difficult as to keep one.
I’m sure that you already know and have experienced the up’s and down’s conflict of your relationship. Because a relationship is simply “not an easy thing” to maintain. There are certain changes that you can implement in your relationship to nourish your relationship.
The list I have created is the spinning image of what works for everyday couples
Share each and every day
Make it a point to communicate with your partner each and every day about what you did. Share positive and negative experiences. Discuss your interactions you had and you feel.
Common questions:
- Did you have a good day?
- What was the best/worst part of your day?
- Share how you feel inside? Happy, Sad, Exhausted…
Eat at least ONE meal together
Someone once told me that “breaking bread” with is a key to establishing a true relationship. Meet with your partner, spouse, or significant other for at least one meal a day. Sit down, enjoy the meal and engage in conversation. Discuss the day.
Express yourself
Be willing to show your partner vulnerability. Express how your day went and the feelings that you experienced. If this feels uncomfortable, you can practice by following the questions below. It can be you or your partner who initiates it:
- When you _______ it made be feel ____________. When I feel this way, I want to ______________.
- Our last argument made me feel ______________. I when you said _____________, I felt ____________________________.
Make up sooner then later
It is okay to be angry, frustrated or in the complete opposite field from your partner. It is also okay for you and your partner not to share the same opinion and to feel frustrated with each other because both of you are not on the same page.
All of these things are okay.
Whats not okay is for you and your partner NOT to make up ASAP.
Go back to the earlier topic EXPRESS YOURSELF. Practice the statements and work to express how you feel so that you and your partner can resolve being on opposite pages.
Do something for each other
Each and everyday you should do some sort of act for your significant other. It can be small or big.
At this point you may be thinking that it will be too difficult for you to “do something for your partner each and everyday”.
Trust in yourself and in your commitment to the relationships. Acts of love, kindness and gratitude come in all forms. Below are some take home examples:
- Send text messages showing your appreciation.
- Leave a note in their car, wallet or purse.
- Send an email.
- Call during lunch.
- Clean the bedroom.
- Clean the bathroom.
- Do laundry.
- Pick up the kids from school.
- Go out for a meal.
cover image by nathan walker; korney violin;ismael nieto
