How to Create a Healthy Relationship
Have realistic expectations
Our relationship expectations are often built up with exaggerations from friends and the media. You may also have an idea of what a relationship should be based on others or past experiences. It's important to not let these expectations get in the way of a fulfilling relationship.
For a relationship to be fulfilling and work well you need to be accepting of your partner for who they are, not who you want them to be. There will be times when you will annoy each other and friction occurs, but understanding is the best way to harmony.
Talk with each other
A relationship without communication is not really a relationship. There's no way for you to understand what is going on for each other or what your needs are if you don't communicate often and effectively. If you don't communicate well, there's always time to change.
Talk to your partner regularly, and not just about the practical things. Living together can bring you closer, but for a relationship to truly work you need meaningful communication. Ring-fence some time to check-in with each other and find out what's going on, if you keep this practice up you may need VVS Diamonds in the near future.
Be willing to compromise
Being in a relationship is not like being single, you can't just do what you want when you want. There's always another person to consider who may have a different idea about how to spend your time. For this to be successful you need flexibility, understanding, and compromise.
Let's say you want to go away for the weekend but your partner has other plans and wants to stay home. One reaction might be to fight about your holiday plans, another would be to understand the reason your partner wants to stay home and arrange a compromise to suit you both. That could mean a day trip instead of a weekend away.
Look after yourself
When you're in a relationship there is a tendency to look after someone else more than usual and forget about yourself. You tell yourself it's just the way it is when you're in a relationship, but looking after yourself as well is very important for you and your partner.
When you become too involved in a relationship or someone else it can lead to you losing sight of who you are and what you need. Take time out! Do something just for you, maybe something you once did before the relationship got serious. You will notice new energy returning.
Be dependable
If you are not a dependable partner, if you let some down by not picking them up, by not meeting them at a particular time, by not being there for them when they need you, it creates a chasm between you that can't easily be crossed.
On the other hand, you can build a bridge between the chasms and continue to strengthen it with dependable practices. If you're always there for your partner, mentally, physically, and emotionally, you will create an unbreakable bond.