HEALTH + WELLNESS
THE SECRETS TO A Happy Relationship CONT .
ordinary for you both personally , and that add a bit more excitement to your everyday lives . You ’ ll be surprised by how the two of you rise to take on new challenges and by taking risks together , you ’ ll start seeing new sides to your partner and remember all the lovely things that made you fall in love with them in the first place .
Focus on what they do right
Positive reinforcement is an age-old concept used with children , and it ' s just as important for fully grown adults too . So , compliment your partner when you see something you love and try not to only pick out behaviour you perceive to be wrong . Oddly , it often seems easier to find something to criticise in a partner , but if you stand back and look for what he or she does right , you ’ ll find something ; happy couples accentuate the positive
Don ’ t take your partner for granted .
Respect breeds respect , so treating your true love with respect will get you the same in return and regularly reminding them how much they mean to you will enrich your relationship in indescribable ways . Don ’ t just steal a quick kiss on the way out of the door paired with a muttered ‘ I love you ’, instead pause for a moment , look your partner in the eye before you kiss them and tell them – with true feeling – that you love them . Don ’ t be afraid to express your feelings of appreciation with your partner – they ’ ll always be thankful that you did .
Communicate
Lack of communication is the number one reason that even relationships that seem like the strongest can fail . Communication is essential but takes practice if you ’ ve become rusty – listen to your partner ’ s position , without interrupting them . Just listen . When they ’ ve finished getting their point across , summarise what you heard them say . Even if you don ’ t agree or are feeling differently , always make an effort to empathise with your significant other , which will prevent an over-defensive response and make it easier for both of you to hear your thoughts and feelings . It ’ s hard to argue when you follow these guidelines , and you ’ re far more likely to come up with an understanding or a solution if you do .
Make sure you say things like ‘ I love you ’ and ‘ how was your day ?’ – every day – seems obvious but is really important in making a loved one feel cherished and sadly , very easy to forget to do . Saying something loving will set you both up for a positive day and is a great way to bank some patience and tolerance as you both set out for a fresh day in a world which , let ’ s face it , can sometimes be frustrating !
Say goodnight , every night . Regardless of how you feel – the age-old piece of advice : ‘ never go to bed on an argument ’ rings as true as ever . Even the simple gesture of saying goodnight is invaluable – if you ’ ve had a silly row , it reassures your partner that you still want to be in the relationship , and if you ’ ve gone to bed loved up it ’ s just a thoughtful way to end the day .
Making all of this an integral part of your relationship takes effort , but a little goes a long way - putting these secrets in place in the long-term will make for a more committed , open , honest , and loving relationship ; when it comes to affairs of the heart , ultimately you reap what you sow .
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