Love is rarely easy and never straightforward. Contrary to popular belief, happy and healthy relationships don’t just occur out of thin air. Rather, they’re the product of lots of hard work and dedication. Indeed, chemistry and attraction can only take a couple so far; if you really want to make sure your relationship stays off the rocks, then make sure to check out these five helpful bits of advice:
Try New Things
The best relationships inspire individuals to grow and develop. And the only way to do that is to try new things. No, you don’t have to attempt extreme activities like skydiving, for instance, but being open to new experiences will prevent your relationship from going stale.
Plan for the Future Today
Though some love-struck folks would surely prefer to stay in the embryonic stages of a relationship, the reality is that everything changes with time. As such, make it a point to discuss long-term plans with your partner. Remember, if you don’t face a potential problem early on, it will only get worse.
Double Date
Humans are social creatures. We have friends, family members, work colleagues, and, naturally, romantic partners. It’s unwise, though, to become so enamored with one relationship that you begin to neglect other people in your life. Double-dating, then, is often an elegant solution to both integrate a new partner into your social circle and allow you to spend time with a variety of people who are close to you.
Designate “Me” Time
A healthy partnership shouldn’t demand constant TLC. Though some couples may insist that they want to spend every waking moment together, everyone needs “me-time” occasionally. As exciting as planning an engagement or scheduling a honeymoon might seem, budget some time out to spend apart too. Co-dependence is a symptom of impending trouble in any relationship.
Let it Go
Happy couples fight just as often as unhappy ones. The difference is that people in successful long-term partnerships know how to move on from disagreements. Holding a grudge will do you no good, and letting a misunderstanding fester is a recipe for disaster. Clearing the air isn’t always pleasant, but being open and honest will help you avoid many relationship pitfalls.
Final Thoughts
No two relationships are the same. Still, people who are looking for a meaningful love connection should follow a few basic verities. Keep an open mind, be courteous and polite, and –– above all –– don’t try and change yourself for the sake of others. Lastly, all sexually active individuals should visit testing centers near them after they begin a relationship. Trust us, it’s better to be safe than sorry in this regard!