How to Maintain a Healthy Romantic Relationship
These days, it is not that hard to join the dating game and tell the world that you are single and ready to mingle. The hard part is maintaining a healthy romantic relationship with your significant other. Many still find it challenging because you want to be appreciated, comforted and loved all the time but this is not always the case.
A healthy romantic relationship resonates clearly when both are happy, committed and willing to adjust to each other. Whether you are a new couple or have been together for years, you desire your relationship would be a priority.
Building a Healthy Relationship
Every relationship is different but they all go through ups and downs. It is all about the love, respect, commitment and sincerity to your partner that can help you withstand the test of time. Studies show that being in a healthy relationship leads to a long and happy life.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, data gathered from 309,000 people showed that a “lack of strong relationships increased the risk of premature death from all causes by 50% — an effect on mortality risk roughly comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day and greater than obesity and physical inactivity”.
A healthy relationship increases your self-worth and confidence.
If you are in a healthy relationship, you radiate positive and happy vibes. Other people will notice it too. Knowing that someone loves you heightens your morale and trust in yourself. It makes you feel safe and secure that every challenge thrown becomes a stepping stone to a stronger and healthier relationship.
It motivates you to try new things and learn more about yourself.
One good thing about being in a healthy romantic relationship is you always learn something new about yourself. You become fearless in exploring things you have not yet done. You are influenced by your partner to always be a better person. It is not about changing yourself for your partner to love you but it is more about how much you are willing to do to build and maintain a healthy relationship.
You develop an emotional connection with your partner.
As you connect with your partner, your feelings for each other grow. There is that bond that only you and your partner can see, read and feel. They say that couples who are emotionally well-connected can read each other’s thoughts. They understand their partners’ gestures and expressions even without uttering a single word.
You learn to adapt and be strong.
The moment you decide to be in a relationship, you are also aware that you have to adapt and adjust to your partner. It is not right that you will always be the one to give in or dictate what happens in your relationship. You need to be strong and bold enough to admit that sometimes you have to accommodate your partner’s needs and feelings.
Healthy relationships have positive effects on your mental health.
Numerous studies show compelling evidence that proves that a healthy relationship has many benefits to your mental health. It makes you happy for one but it also reduces stress and anxiety because you have someone to confide in and depend on. In short, you are not alone in battling issues in your life.
Tips on How to Maintain a Healthy Romantic Relationship
A perfect relationship does not exist but the closer you can have is being in a healthy romantic relationship. It feels really good to be in a relationship with someone who shares the same goals and values as you. However, it takes time and impeccable strength to reach that level where both of you love and trust each other deeply.
1. Be realistic about your expectations.
It is okay to have high expectations from your partner but they should be realistic and reasonable. Do not expect your partner to shower you with gifts and travel just to show how much he/she loves you. A healthy romantic relationship means that you accept them for who they are and inspire them to be better.
Do not lower your standards just to have someone. Envision your dream partner but focus more on the things that matter to you. If you value hard work, go for someone who never grows tired of working towards their dream. They are much better than someone who looks good but lacks initiative and perseverance.
2. Communication is always the key.
Many relationships fail because of a lack of communication. Couples who do not know how to relay their messages or are too scared to voice out their thoughts are doomed to be in a toxic relationship. You need to get to know each other, share stories and experiences, listen to their opinions and ask questions about plans and dreams. Communicating with your partner shows that you are interested in knowing all about them.
3. Spend time together.
You fall in love with your partner because you like what you see in them. Their thoughtful ways, being reliable and present keep your heart pounding. Being together physically develops intimacy and trust which are important aspects of a relationship.
No matter how busy you are, take time off from your full-packed schedule and give your partner a call. Plan a quick breakfast or lunch together. During your days off, make sure that you spend quality and memorable time doing outdoor activities, watching movies, going on dates or even staying at home and talking.
4. Do not be self-centered.
When you are in a romantic relationship, you must learn how to deal with your partner’s actions, words and feelings. It is not all about you anymore. You have to consider their thoughts and opinions on important matters in your relationship. Compromising can be difficult but it is as important as communication.
5. Learn to forgive and say sorry.
There will be countless misunderstandings and arguments in your relationship. Sometimes pride gets in the way and you end up breaking up. When you truly give importance to your relationship, you must learn to swallow your pride and say sorry. It does not matter anymore whose fault it is because what matters now is you have the chance to talk about your problems.
6. Resolve your conflicts fairly and respectfully.
There will always be problems in all relationships. Your conflicts will help you and your partner grow emotionally and mentally. It is through these that you get to know the kind of person your partner is when under stressful moments. In any healthy romantic relationship, conflicts become their way to address issues and concerns that can threaten their love and affection for each other.
7. Do not be ashamed in asking for outside help.
Dealing with your partner’s mood and behavior can be exhausting. As months or years go by, your feelings for them start to go stale and change. There is nothing wrong with you. It is normal in every relationship that is why many couples resort to going for therapies and counseling to bring back the spark.
Mindshift Psychological Services offers couples therapy sessions for those who are having struggles and problems in their relationship. Many couples get bored and easily annoyed with their partners but this does not mean that they do not love them anymore. They just need to re-learn basic things that will put their relationship back on track.
Inquire about our couple therapy sessions through our website or contact us at (714)584-9700 to schedule an appointment.
