A healthy and satisfying romantic relationship takes conscious effort. Keeping the relationship joyful and positive isn’t always easy. Like in many other situations, though, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
While relationships are frequently complicated, simple ideas can sometimes have a significant effect. The suggestions below can help to get a struggling relationship back on track, or keep an already satisfying one on the right path.
Little things can make a big difference in any relationship
1. Avoid taking the relationship for granted. “Love” is a verb, an action. Everything tends to degrade over time unless energy is put into it. Scientists refer to this as “entropy,” the idea that things become less organized and perfect over time unless energy is applied to that system.
* Consider the paint on the exterior of your house or a sand castle at the beach. Without energy and attention, they will eventually fall apart. Relationships are no different. Without some attention and fine-tuning along the way, they will degrade over time as well.
2. Make time for romantic activities. Romance really is good for both of you and the relationship. It also makes it easier to remember how you felt about each other when you first met. Making time for this doesn’t even have to be expensive; some of the best things are free.
* A walk around the neighborhood while you hold hands can make for a quick and free romantic gesture. Romantic notes are a simple and easy way to inject some passion into your relationship.
3. Date your partner. Dating tends to stop pretty quickly in most relationships. But yours doesn’t have to be that way. Even if you have small children, there are always possibilities. Find a baby-sitter. Maybe another couple will swap baby-sitting responsibilities with you so they can date too!
* At the very least, you can have a romantic dinner and watch a rented movie after the kids go to bed.
4. Consider the impact on your children. Whether your relationship is good or bad, your children are going to use it as an example of how they should expect their relationships to be. Would you be happy for your child if they had the same relationship that you have?
5. Don’t be afraid of professional help. If you can’t figure it out on your own, seek professional assistance. You probably don’t fix your car yourself or perform surgery on yourself; you get an expert. If your relationship is really struggling, bring in an expert. That’s what they’re there for.
A long-term relationship can be one of the most rewarding parts of life. You’re provided with someone who cares about you and someone you care for. You can share all of life’s challenges, joys, and pains as a partnership. For most people, this is much more satisfying than being alone. But like anything else, relationships take time and effort.
Just as even the most perfect garden needs weeding, it’s important to maintain your long-term relationship and tend to the “weeds” that inevitably crop up. Give the ideas in this article a try. And there’s no harm in seeking professional assistance if you’re struggling. This relationship is one of the most significant aspects of your life; give it the attention it deserves.