It seems challenging for marriages or relationships to last “’til death do us part.” However, how do some couples stay together for decades and still hold hands and act as giddy in love as day one? A positive relationship doesn’t just happen, as it takes a great deal of work.
Beverly B. Palmer, Ph.D., is a psychologist who studies marriage. She advises other couples to put one another first, and since she’s been in a marriage for fifty years, she knows what she’s talking about. She states there is great importance in elevating your spouse above yourself.
Your partner must know you’re thinking of them. In her years of private practice, she’s met many couples in turmoil. Nonetheless, she stated that it’s always easy to see the ones who will work through it through their love and dedication to one another. So, what do these folks have that other people don’t?
Habits That Will Create a Positive Relationship
If you were to panel folks that have been together for many years, each one would give you a different recipe for how they made it work. Consequently, here are some tried and true methods that will help you foster a positive relationship for life.
1. Honesty
Don’t lie to your partner, ever! Even when the truth is too hard to speak, don’t risk your relationship on a lie. If your partner finds out about your untruth, and they will, it will cause them to distrust you.
No matter how bad the scenario, if your partner truly loves you, you will find a way to work through the issue. Lying is just compounding the problem, as no one wants to be married to someone dishonest.
2. Trust
Do you trust your partner with your life? You must believe in them above all else and have confidence in this person. You must have faith in them to tell you the truth and have your back whatever comes your way.
Trust is one of those foundational blocks of a relationship that can be devastating if it’s missing.
3. Respect
Respect means different things to different people. However, it’s a general admiration for one another. You wouldn’t take the last piece of cake because you know your partner may want it. It’s about putting them above you and valuing them as human beings.
4. Unplugging From Social Media
When’s the last time you turned off all electronics and social media and just had alone time with your partner. It doesn’t have to be romantic, just talking to them without the interruptions of email and television is a refreshing break. Make a habit of turning off all distractions and have alone time.
5. Take Care of One Another’s Needs
There are emotional and physical needs in a relationship, and you must take care of both for your partner. If your partner is upset, you must hold and comfort them. Also, physical needs are just as much a part of living as breathing, so you must take care of these too.
If you make sure you meet your partner’s needs, they won’t have any reason to look elsewhere to be fulfilled.
6. Show Admiration and Appreciation
Do you thank your partner for making your coffee before work, or tell them how delicious dinner was tonight? Admire your partner when they do something good, and never let a day go by where you don’t tell them how much you …
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