Are you one of those that believe everything you read in
romance novels and set your romance standards based on that? Maybe you give all
or you think you give all still love don’t love you. Truth is fairy-tale love
is hard to find but here are some tips for keeping your relationship healthy
and happy. One of the most common questions we hear is, "How do we make
our relationship work?" The answers are complicated, varied, and, after a
while, can start to sound like muddled platitudes.
But these commonplace sayings get repeated because they
work. There are so many tips out there, truth is they work in different degrees for different individuals. With this in mind, we pulled together 12 cliches that, in fact, reveal
simple, tried-and-true advice for having a healthy, happy relationship. Read on
and let us know what you think:
1. Mind Your
Manners.
"Please," "thank you" and
"you're welcome," can go a long way in helping your partner remember
that you respect and love him and don't take him for granted. Relationship
Rehab: 12 Steps To Becoming A Happier Couple In 2012
2. Variety Is The
Spice Of Life.
Studies have shown that dullness can lead to
dissatisfaction with a relationship. Trying something new can be as simple as
visiting an unfamiliar restaurant or as grand as a backpacking trip through Sri
Lanka. Discoveries you make together will keep you feeling close.
3. The Couple That
Plays Together, Stays Together
Find a sport or
hobby that you both love (no, watching TV does not count) and make that a
priority in your relationship. Camping, biking, building model trains...
whatever it is, find something you enjoy doing together.
4. Fight Right.
In order to have productive arguments, keep these rules
in mind. Don't call your spouse names. When things get really tough, take a
break from the argument. Let the other person finish his/her sentences. Don't
initiate a discussion when you're angry. 5 Things That (Unexpectedly) Turn Men
Off
5. I'll Scratch
Your Back If You Scratch Mine.
No one likes demands (unless you're in a BDSM role play),
but everyone can appreciate a compromise. If you want your lover to do
something and you're not sure he'll be agreeable, the quickest way to avoid a
confrontation is to sweeten the deal. For example: "Sure, I'll watch
Monday Night Football if you take me to see the next movie of my choice."
6. Two Heads Are
Better Than One.
Being in a relationship basically means you've made a
merger; you've not only joined assets but inherited the other's problems as
well. Rather than looking at his problems as merely his own, tackle them
together. For example, if he's gaining weight, rather than pushing him to diet
on his own, enroll in an exercise program together.
7. Distance Makes
The Heart Grow Fonde.R
Maintain your own friendships and occasionally have a
night out without your significant other. Doing things without your s.o. not
only makes you miss him or her, it also keeps you sane. And, in case the
relationship doesn't work out, you'll still have your friends.
8. Sound It Out.
It other words: communicate! Talking out the tough
subjects—money, religion, fidelity, raising kids—will not be the most fun
you've had, but it'll be valuable. The Top 10 Traits That Attract A Man To A
Woman
9. Laughter Is The
Best Medicine.
Learn to laugh at yourself and at silly mistakes. If he
throws your $300 cashmere sweater in the dryer, laughing it off is, in the long
run, better than getting angry. It's is just a $300 cashmere sweater, not the
end of the world.
10. Keep Your Eyes
On The Prize.
Yes, he forgot your co-worker's name for the tenth time,
but it probably doesn't mean he doesn't care about you. If you keep your
perspective fixed on the goal—to be in a happy, functioning partnership—you're
less likely to get tangled up in every minor annoyance. Remember, you both want
the same thing.
11. Quitters Never
Win. Find A Ritual And Keep It Alive, No Matter What.
Whether it's always kissing each other good night,
renewing wedding vows every year, sleeping in as late as you want once a month
or committing to having sex once a week, pick something that makes you both
feel good and stick to it, even when you're tempted to skip. What A Male Orgasm
Feels Like
12. When The Going
Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going... To Therapy.
Studies show that couples who seek counseling during
rocky periods are more successful in resolving their issues than those who
don't. Whether its from a religious figure, counselor or mental health
professional, getting an expert to help sort out strife is as wise as forgoing
self-installation and hiring a plumber to put in a new sink.
