A healthy relationship shares something in common with gardening; they take a lot of patience, dedication, and energy in order to flourish into something truly beautiful. If you've finally found "The One" or you think being with this person will lead into something emotionally nourishing, make the effort to avoid turning the relationship toxic.
The purpose of this article is to show you exactly what you can do to nourish the sense of togetherness you have with your significant other, to make it a true, healthy, mature relationship.
Communication is key
You've heard it time and again but that's probably because it's true. Talk often, share your opinions, heartaches, and troubles. It may even help you figure out some confusing emotions if you have eyes other than your own to look at a problem. This can be difficult for men since some typically like to keep their emotions to themselves, but it can be therapeutic having loving ears listen when you need to express yourself.
Listen
Healthy relationships will give you plenty of time to talk, but listening is equally important. Communication is a two-way process and like it or not, listening is just as important as getting to speak your mind. Let the other speak their piece and respect their turn. Don't butt in when your significant other is saying something particularly troubling to them, and respond with dedication. Ask questions and be tender when adding your opinions, especially when talking about things that are dear to your partner. Listen intently and your sincerity will show.
Check your relationship
Seek balance and "health check" your relationship from time to time. This can help each of you get a grasp of problems, and figure out the best way to mitigate them. Just as a gardener checks for symptoms of disease in their flowers, a relationship can benefit from periodic checkups.
Ask your significant other how they feel about it. Ask what they're happy with, what needs changing, and discuss what needs to be done. This will help lay all the feelings on the table and give you both a glimpse of how each other feels at different stages of the relationship.
Cool it
It can be tempting to nip problems in the bud, but in many cases it's good to cool your heads when conflict surfaces. The best way to approach and resolve a problem is with a rational head. When a conversation starts getting heated, it is not advisable to let it reach a heated climax.
Instead, break away politely and mull things over when the adrenaline has lost its grip. Resolve matters in a rational, peaceful way that serves your relationship for the better.
Let it grow
Romance is not static. As needs and interests change, so does your relationship. Allow it to grow and change instead of keeping it the same all throughout. Be open to change and accept it when it comes knocking. When your significant other starts picking up new interests, support them as much as possible and engage in them if you can. It's a great way to have one more thing in common, hence more ways to have fun together.
Another thing that goes with change is balance. You may be tempted to spend all your time with your partner, but it will help in the long run to regularly spend time away from each other, too.
Embrace your differences
Sometimes you just won't see eye to eye on a certain topic and that's okay. Strengthen your relationship by accepting differences in ideals and treat them as insight into something completely outside your own experience. You might like to dance, and he doesn't. He might like to play Xbox before bed, and you don't. Everyone is wired differently, and that isn't bad at all.
A real relationship fulfills our need for connection with another being, and that means being open to trying new things. So if you've been wondering how to keep your current relationship growing, try these tips and see how it goes. We're rooting for you!
Got something to add? Maybe a missing ingredient to these tips? Let us know in the comments!
