Because all relationships grow and change over time,even if you have a great relationship, there may be times when you feel like your bond could be stronger.
Consider these tips to fortify your partnership:
1. Take your partner’s side. To continue to grow an enriching, loving relationship, consistently advocate for your partner’s position, whether you agree with them or not. If you promise yourself to always be on the same side, then there will be fewer situations that divide you.
• Although disagreement can be appropriate, do so with tact and love instead of fighting. Let your differences lead to discussions that help you understand each other better rather than divide you.These types of honest discussions reinforce the love and respect youshare.
2. Release past hurts. If you’ve been holding on to emotional pain related to your current partner or a past one, let it go. Keeping the hurt inside can stifle the love and affection you want in your relationship.
• If the painresults from your current partner’s actions,resolve the past situation so you can let go of that pain and move forward with your relationship.
• Letting go of past hurts allow you to feel freer to love and be close to your partner.
3. Be willing to try something new. If you want to truly connect with your partner, embrace the activities he loves to do. Even though the particular pastime may not be your cup of tea, show willingness to engage in his beloved activities with him.
• For example, if your partner invites you to go to an NFL game, you don’t have to be a football fan to go and enjoy yourself. Look at it this way: you’ll be there to share something really special with your love. He’ll be thrilled to have you there and will most likely recognize the sacrifice you made to share the experience with him.
4. Lose the need to be right. Winning arguments with your partner is overrated. After all, what value does being right really have? Insisting that the other person agree that you’re right and they’re wrongdoes nothing to increase positive feelings or strengthen the bond between you.
• Try focusing, instead, on acceptingthat there will be times when you might be correct and other times when he’s the one who’s right.
• Sometimes, these situations can be better resolved by sorting out how you each feel so you can find a middle ground that can bring you closer together rather than determining who’s right or wrong.
5. Celebrate your differences. Allow yourself to again experience the passion that brought you into the relationship. You have a responsibility to keep the flame going, which reinforces your connection. One way to do thatis to truly embrace the ways in which you are different.
There are so many wonderful opportunities to ensure your partnership continues to blossom and grow stronger. Use these tips for inspiration to help youcultivate your cherished relationship and watch it thrive under your careful tending.