Built To Last: Advice For Strengthening Your Relationship
What is it about certain relationships that make them stand the test of time? Obviously love and attraction are important, but many couples that care still don’t last long term. How can you improve and strengthen your relationship so that it’s built to last?
A Strong Foundation
Long lasting relationships have a solid foundation. Just like building a house, you need to lay the groundwork just right in order to support the structure. So what makes for a good relationship foundation? Commitment and trust.
Both partners need to be willing to put time and effort into the partnership. They also need to trust each other, not only in terms of fidelity but also in terms of doing the right thing for each other and the relationship. Couples should trust each other enough to let themselves learn and grow as individuals and as a unit.
Strong Communication
Building a lasting relationship depends on strong communication. That doesn’t necessarily mean talking until you’re blue in the face either. It really means focus and awareness. Understanding and sensing each other’s communication style is key. Some people are very verbal, while others use a lot of body language. Nonverbal communication is just as important. A touch, a hug or a sympathetic look may be all that’s needed sometimes.
Communication also means knowing when to remain silent. Most partners require some alone time to think, reflect and recharge. Giving each other this needed space can help you foster a lasting relationship. Communication is all about relating to each other. By relating well you will foster a deeper connection that will stand the test of time.
Finding Balance
Relationships often falter because they get off balance. This can happen in a number of ways. Work life balance of one or both partners can cause issues. It’s hard to maintain a healthy relationship if one person is a workaholic or spends a lot of time travelling on the road. Home and family responsibilities can also cause the scales to tip if one partner is not doing his or her share.
Balance does not always mean everything must be split equally fifty-fifty. What is does mean is compromise. Every successful relationship has a deal of give and take. The idea is to come to a mutual agreement on matters. Maybe one partner needs to work extra hours to help with the household budget. Perhaps the trade off is to set aside some special quality time together and hire a babysitter now and then. Whatever it is, by working together to come to an agreement, balance is achieved. And that strengthens a relationship.
Relationships can be built to last if both partners are willing to do the work. Put in the effort and make it a labor of love!
Photo: Pixabay
