Learn how to compromise.
1. Honesty is ALWAYS the best policy.
Be truthful with each other. If you’re in a genuinely loving relationship that is free of judgement, you should be able to trust each other with the truth. No relationships have ever survived when they were built on foundations of lies.
2. Express your love in the grandest and simplest ways.
Just be as affectionate and as expressive as much as you can. Diversify your methods while you’re at it. You don’t always have to have grand gestures of love in order for you to express your affection. Even simple kisses on the forehead every now and then will suffice.
3. Be consistent in words and actions.
If you used to drive her to and from work when you first started dating, then make sure you’re still doing it as you go along. These little gestures mean a lot to your partner and your relationship will grow stronger once you realize that. Be consistent in your love for each other.
4. Conflicts are inevitable.
Arguments are fine. They’re part of the package. The key is in always being able to find some middle ground. You have to be willing to take some losses every once in a while. Lower your pride and hide your ego for the sake of harmony in your relationship.
5. Have deep and meaningful conversations even when they’re difficult.
You should always be willing to have those difficult talks. Should you be moving in together? What career paths are the both of you planning to take? What does your future look like? The best kinds of couples will have no difficulty having these discussions.
6. Set real expectations for each other.
Don’t always expect your partner to be perfect. No human being is ever going to be perfect. You will be disappointed every once in a while and that’s okay.В – Continue reading on the next page
7. You know your relationship best.
When other people try to give you their thoughts and opinions about your relationship, it’s fine. However, you should also know that only you know the ins and outs of your relationship and you will always know better than anyone else.
8. Be thoughtful as much as possible.
Always be thinking of your partner. Be mindful of how he/she is feeling at any particular moment. If you just happen to be nearby a restaurant that he/she loves, then order something from the menu to take home to them. Little gestures like that always go a long way.
9. Take an interest in each other’s interests.
Understand that your partner’s interests are part of what make them so interesting. You should always take an interest (or at least act like you do) in your partner’s hobbies and passions.
10. Trust your instincts, always.
Your gut is there for a reason and it’s going to be right more often than not. Whenever you feel uncomfortable with something that your gut is telling you, don’t be afraid to bring it up with your partner. Remember how honesty is the best policy?
11. Split the bills.
It’s no longer the Middle Ages. In the 21st century, both men and women should be financially independent. Screw the gender roles associated with finances and spending.
12. Learn how to compromise.
This is one of the most important rules in relationships. You have to be willing to make compromises and sacrifices for each other. You need to be considerate of each other all the time.В – Continue reading on the next page
13. Stop carrying around little vials of hatred.
Spite is a terrible thing. Nothing good can ever come out of it. If your partner upsets you, then talk it through. Don’t bottle up that anger and wait for it to magically vanish.
14. Do your research.
If you’re having problems, then don’t be afraid to turn to books or the internet for advice. More likely than not, people have gone through what you’re experiencing now and they’ve already written about it.
15. Don’t be afraid to go on sexual explorations with each other.
Be adventurous in bed. You don’t necessarily have to be good at difficult positions. The point is that you’re both willing to try something new and exciting together. You should be comfortable with screwing up and making mistakes in front of each other because you love each other that much. Sex is also a lot of fun.
16. You shouldn’t treat your partner as a project you need to fix.
No. Your partner is not some science experiment that you get to analyze and produce solutions for. Your partner is a human being who has flaws and is constantly working to become a better person every day.
17. Don’t expect your partner to be a mind reader.
If something is on your mind, say it. Don’t be timid about your wants, need, or expectations. Be articulate and courteous at all times. Always express your feelings to your partner and never expect them to always know what’s going on in your mind and in your heart.
18. Don’t air out your dirty laundry.
What happens in your relationship stays in your relationship. You’re doing each other a disservice when you speak of your personal issues to your friends or families. Keep your issues between the two of you because your issues are entirely your own. They don’t need to be held under public scrutiny.
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Do you have anything to add to the list? Let me know in the comments below!
