Relationships
© Martin Novak | Dreamstime.com
A good relationship probably needs several positive experiences for every negative one
- Learn to listen
- Think “we,” not “me”
- Work as a team
- Learn to negotiate
If your spouse/partner stays at home, e.g., to take care of kids:
- Regularly express your appreciation for the job he/she does
Before getting into a romantic relationship:
Ensure you both share:
- Similar basic values and beliefs, e.g., parenting, religious
- Desire to have or not have children
Determine if you are genuinely fond of that person
If you’re already in a romantic relationship:
- Use a nickname for your partner
- Avoid criticizing or blaming your partner
- Divide household and parenting responsibilities as equally as feasible
Regularly:
- Spend satisfying time together
- Make a date at least once a week for just the two of you to do something fun
- Physical interaction, e.g., hugs
- Express interest in the things your partner is doing and is interested in
- Praise things your partner does, especially things you would like for him/her to do regularly
- Express your affection for your partner often, especially when he/she is behaving in a manner you find attractive
If conflicts arise:
- Agree on a time to talk, then take turns talking
- Stick to current issues, not the past
- Control yourself, not your partner
- If it gets too emotional and/or intense, separate and come together after you’ve both cooled down
- Don’t use shame or blame
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