How To Maintain A Healthy Relationship

Characteristics Of A Healthy Relationship 

Benefits Of A Healthy Relationship 

How To Maintain A Healthy Relationship 

1. Make Time For Each Other

We are often so busy with our lives that we become distracted about what truly matters. Making time for your partner is so important. I’m not just talking about watching Netflix together on the couch for an hour after dinner. Or sitting in the same room while scrolling on social media. I mean real quality time, where you both are engaged in meaningful conversations.

Oftentimes, problems arise when one partner feels as though the other has not been spending time with them and has been distracted about what else is going on in their lives. This creates sadness and frustration as your partner may feel as though they are not being acknowledged. I would suggest talking with your partner and deciding on a night that works best for you both to sit down and spend quality time with each other. You could play a game, talk about life, go out to dinner, go for a walk, etc. There are just a few examples where you can engage with your partner and spend the quality time you both desire.

2. Be Patient

Patience is one of the most important aspects of any relationship. When we are patient, we allow ourselves to respond to a situation in the best way possible rather than reacting with anger, sadness, or frustration. By showing your partner that you are patient, it allows your partner to understand that you value them and your relationship. Furthermore, being patient with your partner will also correspond to them being more patient with you.

3. Be Present

It is so important to be present in your relationship.When we spend too much time focusing on the future or the past, we often get distracted from the time that we have right in front of us. While it is important to address the future with your partner or talk about goals, you need to make it a priority to focus on the present moment. Focusing on the present will allow you to tune out any interruptions and distractions and spend meaningful time with your partner.

4. Open Communication

You and your partner should be able to openly communicate with each other. This means, cultivating a safe space where you can openly talk about your problems in your relationships, or things you think may turn into an issue. Allow your partner to express how they feel and show them that you there to listen to what they have to say.

5. Remind Yourself That The Little Things Matter

It’s not about all of the gifts or big things that you do for each other. But rather about the little things. This can be something as simple as cleaning up around the house, making your partner a coffee in the morning, making dinner for them so that it is ready for when they get out of work, etc. I believe these little things go a long way. Even though you may not be aware of it at that moment, your partner will start to appreciate all of the little things you do for them more.

6. Engage In Healthy Disagreements

I cannot stress enough how important it is to engage in healthy disagreements. The reality is, no two people in any relationship are going to agree on everything 24/7. With that being said, no relationship is perfect. There will be times in your relationship where you do not understand your partner’s point of view, and that is okay.

My partner and I have found that in our relationship, we allow the other person to share their thoughts and feelings before sharing our own. Once one of us has communicated our thoughts, the other person will share how they feel. Even though at the end of our conversation we may not agree, we show the other person that we understand and care and their feelings are valid. As a relationship is a commitment between two people, this commitment also means that both individuals’ opinions are equally as important.

7. Set Aside Time To Check-In With Each Other

It is crucial that you set aside time to check-in with your partner. Whether it is daily before you and your partner go to bed, or on a weekly basis, you should always check in and ask how your partner is doing mentally and emotionally. My partner and I talk once a week about how we are both feeling in the relationship. During this time, we discuss anything we can do to make our relationship better, or if there is a situation in which issues may arise in the future.

8. Show Consistent Encouragement

You and your partner need to be able to rely on each other for support always. Your partner should encourage you to pursue your dreams and be by your side through every endeavor. If you find something that you care about, or are excited about something that you want to pursue in the future, your partner should also care about it because it matters to you. Share with your partner that you are proud of them, support them, and will always be there to give advice if needed.

9. Spend Time Apart

Every relationship should have space and boundaries. Boundaries allow yourself and your partner to maintain individuality. While your relationship should be an important part of your life, it should not be the only part. During the peak of coronavirus, my partner and I both transitioned to working from home. While this was a huge adjustment, we knew that we needed to still spend time alone or with others. In my situation, even if I knew that I was not going to see friends or family one day, I would take the initiative and go for a walk alone, or read a book outside. I learned to value my alone time and it made spending quality time with my partner so much more exciting.

Conclusion

As mentioned previously, there are various benefits both mentally and emotionally in having and maintaining healthy relationships to those around you. I hope that these tips listed above on how to maintain a healthy relationship are helpful to you and your relationship.