5 Easy Steps...

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To A Better Relationship

Let’s face it – relationships are complicated. Because of this, many couples let their relationships falter before they even realize what’s going on. Luckily, with a little effort on your part, there are a few simple things you can do to ensure a quality relationship between you and your significant other.

1. Find Time To Be With One Another

This sounds simple, but surprisingly enough many couples don’t set aside enough time to be together. In the beginning of a new relationship, you usually can’t bear to be apart from your new romantic interest for very long. As the relationship continues and both of you start to become more comfortable however, the time between visits seems to be fewer and farther between. Between work, errands and other commitments, it may seem impossible to have a relationship. However, set aside time each week to see one another, even if it’s only for an hour or so. Quality time to connect with your partner is an essential part of any healthy relationship.

2. Try Something New

Nothing can kill a relationship quicker than the same routine day in and day out. Healthy couples make an effort to try new activities they’ve never done before, or visit new places they’ve always wanted to see. As a couple, each of you should make a list of new things you’d like to do (eat at a new Chinese restaurant for example, or go on a weekend excursion in the mountains.) Compare lists, and pick a few things from each list that sounds like it would be fun to do as a couple. This opens the line of communication between the two of you and allows both of you to experience new things together to facilitate a deeper sense of closeness.

3. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!

Effective communication between couples can mean the difference between a strong relationship and one that’s quickly heading out to sea. Being open and honest with your partner will allow the both of you to deal with issues that are affecting the relationship in a rational manner, rather than letting them fester to the breaking point. Even if it’s just a simple phone call every night before bedtime, learn to communicate with your partner on a frequent basis to make sure both of you know where the other stands. This also includes communicating with your significant other about your needs and being open to feedback as well.

4. Keep Personal Matters Personal

It’s easy to run to the first available ear and vent about problems in your relationship. However, it’s important to weigh the potential damage spouting off to your mother or best friend about Jim’s inability to take the trash out can have on your relationship. Granted, little things like this may not make or break a relationship, but the moment outside sources become a part of your relationship can spell trouble. If you truly need to vent, consider getting a private journal you can write in whenever something about your relationship troubles you. Of course, important issues can and should be talked about with other people, but as a couple both of you should be able to trust that the other won’t run amok spilling private information to whoever happens to be around.

5. Leave Time For “You”

This may surprise you, but as much as quality time together can enhance a relationship, so to can time apart from one another. Being able to pursue your own interests and desires and allowing your partner to do the same ensures that neither of you will feel closed in or suffocated by the relationship. No one says you have to be attached at the hip to be a “good” couple. Make time to engage in separate activities the same as you would to make plans to spend time together and your relationship will thank you for it.

A healthy relationship requires give and take from both partners. If you want to enhance a relationship you believe is faltering, the above tips can give you perspective about what you or your partner may be doing wrong, and what you can do about it. A healthy relationship doesn’t have to be hard – but it takes time and effort from both of you to make it work.


By: Denise Shively