It takes time and energy to initiate, build and retain a lasting relationship and it may be difficult to cope when things are seemingly not working well.

There are many things that can hold you in a relationship even when it is all evident that you are struggling to keep it going. Lust, unconscious needs and fear of loneliness can cloud your judgement and hold you from taking a relationship for what it really is. Just like we keep holding on to hope for good, so you can find yourself stuck in a relationship that drains you of energy and denies your well-being.

How do you get to know if you have a right “catch”?

You may have defined your type of relationship or left yourself to go with the flow of events. Nothing really serious, so you say. “I will cross the bridge when I get there” becomes your favourite phrase. “Time will define it for me”, so you think.

Unless you have a deep understanding of self to know what you are looking for in a relationship, it is easy to find yourself at cross roads, never knowing which direction to take. The greatest thing you have to look for is CHARACTER COMPATIBILITY. Always remember that opposites attract but will never match. Go for someone who fits your personality and hold your desires and growth close by. Selflessness from either end is a virtue that defines everything else in a relationship.

Every relationship takes commitment and tact to go through the differences and shape the edges. It is how you respond to such situations that will show whether or not you are a good fit. A loving steady relationship calls for both partners to equally compromise whenever need arises. From time to time, you may have to do something that you are not particularly enthusiastic about. From watching a movie that makes you yawn to missing your big night out for your partner’s family event. They will do the same for you. Give and take, and willingness to compromise is a sign that you are in a health relationship.

Be expressive of your love.

Loving couples make an effort to understand whatever it is their partner is going through and make them feel better about it by showing concern. Give genuine compliments. Appreciate genuinely what you receive. It strengthens your love.

Help each other grow.

A supportive partner makes all the difference. Always be by your partners side to give the support they need. It is hurting when you do not get the necessary support you are looking for from someone your hopes lie on. It is disappointing when your partner takes no interest in your personal struggles and interests. You may be left feeling all alone, and this can create resentment or distance if not taken care of.

 

 

Give Space

Spending too much time together can dull your relationship, and you should not be dependent on your partner for your happiness. Each one has a responsibility to their happiness. Allow your partner the time and space they need to explore their own unique passions and never be grudge them the time they spend with their friends or loved ones. Maintaining some independence away from each other will help your relationship grow strong.

Make time for each other.

Your relationship should remain a major priority no matter how busy you may be. Spending time together should be a pleasure both of you have to embrace, value and look forward to.

Stick together in good and bad times.

The right partner will be there beside you in good or bad times. It is one of the best and clear indicators of the way a person feels to see how they behave when you pass through a difficult situation together. If they are not there to help you through minor turbulences now, you probably might not be able to depend on them to be there when times become truly difficult.

Trust each other.

A relationship is intimate and friendship is important to nurture trust and allow vulnerability. Once you realize that you have found the right person, you may want to begin sharing your secrets. Your lives begin to become entangled. This is a gamble and it requires trust. It is the foundation in which your relationship is build.

Communicate effectively.

Listen more and talk less to help your partner feel understood. When you speak, let your words turn into action as this brings cohesion into your relationship. Make your communication open safe and trusting. Your communication should provide confidence to allow arising issues to be discussed openly and be resolved amicably. It should be done with care and concern and not judgement or criticism

Be honest with each other.

Honesty is the brick and mortar in building a strong base for a thriving and lasting relationship. Partners in a loving relationship are honest with each other about how they feel and what they think.

Forgiveness.

No relationship can ever exist without this magic word placed in the four corners of its foundation. When you are able to forgive each other, you make every day new. Starting a special day each day can really be fulfilling. Every burden of the previous day remains there and you only carry along the fragrance to continue with a new day.

Thrive!  You need it.