In the Long Run

What makes a relationship healthy? Moreover, what makes a relationship healthy in the long run? Consistency, understanding, and acceptance. The “honeymoon phase” or the initial phase of life should not be the only beautiful phase in the relationship. The honeymoon phase should exist from the start to the very end. To have growth, both should put the same effort to keep the relationship alive every single day. A relationship is a bond between two people; both are expected to contribute equally in keeping the relationship alive. It is not about the things done together, because eventually, one might run out of things to do – it is more important to enjoy being in the presence of each other. Also, one needs to understand that there will be differences.

It is up to us to decide if we can understand and accept each other’s differences and keep the relationship alive.

When one grows old with another person, expressing love through gestures or actions shows that they care. When love comes naturally, it will come as an instinct to have concern and love. It is important to always remind oneself of the value and worth of the significant other. Over time one may forget and take advantage. To not do that, think of what the other person means to you. Giving the importance and respect to the other person will help in keeping the relationship healthy and positive.

Understanding can solve a lot in a relationship. Problems, differences will emerge sooner or later. Two individuals cannot agree on every single issue (notice that issues are most of the time caused by a third party). It will help to overcome or to get clarity if one understands their partner’s perspective. It is also imperative to state your point, but do not get carried away in defending yourself that you shut away from someone else’s perspective.

Learning to accept comes with time and sensibleness. People change over time. Their likes and dislikes may change. When one understands, it will help in accepting and overcoming changes. There is a catch in this. In my opinion, one must not accept if the partner’s differences are impacting the other person’s lifestyle negatively. Apart from that, if there are positive changes a person is bringing, least the other can do is accept.

Various other things can also help a relationship grow positively, such as communication. One of the biggest reasons why people do not communicate is that one person thinks that the other person would feel bad. First off, do not do things that are impacting negatively on a relationship. If one has done so, it is better to say it than to hide it. The person may feel bad, but they would feel worse if they found things from somebody else. The other reason why one person does not communicate with the other is that they think that it is not important to talk about it. Important is an opinion.

What is not important to one may be important to the other.

Play it safe, be real, and be fearless. Sharing the smallest instances, mistakes, embarrassing moments is all part of communication, and communicating makes a relationship healthy.

Trust is big. Trust goes without saying, goes without proving. Factors like communicating, being honest all bring trust in the relationship.

Moreover, people who are thinking about committing should remember that one will not find their identical twin as their life partner, especially in this day and age. If one wants to settle with somebody, they have to compromise. Compromise wants to an extent but not needs. Be consistent, understanding, and accepting.

Be real and be yourself since day 1.