10 Ways to Make Your Relationship Work Better

Relationships that work are the ones that are worked on. Relationships require time and effort, whether your love is on the rocks or you’re on cloud nine. If you’re willing to put in the work. If you are wondering where to begin, here are some areas that can always use a little TLC.

1. Pick your fights

It’s a real cliché, but being selective about what you engage in conflict over makes a huge difference to the harmony of your partnership.

2. Focus on giving love

Genuine happiness is not about feeling good about ourselves because other people love us; it’s more about how well we have loved ourselves and others. The unintentional outcome of loving others more deeply is that we are loved more deeply.

3. Communication

Being able to share the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritiual aspects of your life, without feeling judged or devalued, is what good communication is all about. Neither you nor your partner is a mind reader, so you need to let each other know what you’re thinking and feeling. Remember that communication is the most important part of your relationship.

4. Acknowledgment

From simply saying thank you to expressing your appreciation on a deeper level, you need to let each other know that you are grateful for one another’s actions and supportive of each other’s efforts. Look for every opportunity to show your partner that you are receiving your love’s positive energy and responding appropriately.

5. Interdependence

Being truly interdependent means being involved with each other in a supportive manner without compromising your values or sacrificing yourself for the relationship.  Interdependence means having time to yourself as well as time together. The key is finding the right balance.

6. Let go of expectations

You may look to things such as romance and constant togetherness to fill a void in yourself. This will immediately cause suffering. If you unconsciously expect to receive love in certain ways to avoid giving that love to yourself, you will put your sense of security in someone else.

7. Acceptance

We all need to learn how to accept each other and our circumstances, so we can move forward in a way that enhances our lives and relationships. Make an honest assessment of where you are in your life right now and accept it. It’s the only way you can move to the next level.

8. Positivity

Make the mutual choice to maintain a positive attitude. Being positive may be the key to keeping harmony. You can control your behaviors and even your moods when necessary, and having a loving partner who is willing to be there for you, even when you are struggling, can’t help but make your relationship more positive.

9. Reinforcement

Showering your partner with little gifts, staying in touch during the day if you’re apart, and being there for your partner, no matter what, are just some of the ways you can reinforce your relationship. Be mindful of any actions or behaviors that might undermine your love and get them changed ASAP.

10. Honesty

Having a partner you can trust creates a buffer between you and the difficulties of the world. When you have a mate you can rely on, it’s easier to take those risks that help you grow. Always be honest with each other about your feelings and needs, and remember that you can tell the truth without being harsh.