8 Ways to Upgrade Your Relationship

Nourish Your Relationship

It’s important to make regular efforts to initiate dates and plan enjoyable things to do together. It could be an activity you used to enjoy together, or it could be something new and out of the usual routine.

Be Present When You’re Present

True connection is about being truly present, making eye contact, and showing genuine interest in your partner. Sincerely ask about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences and then really listen and respond from your heart.

Balance Friendship and Intimacy

A loving relationship is about being good friends and being intimate. It’s important to make regular efforts to foster a friendship with kindness and play, as well as fan the flames of intimacy.

Increase Tolerance and Acceptance

Try to distinguish between behaviors your partner does that you’d like to work on accepting vs. reasonable changes you’d like to request. And when your partner makes requests of you, practice honoring those as best you can.

Give What You’d Like to Get

Since we have zero control over how our partner acts and hopefully some control over how we act, if we want things to change in our relationship, the best chance of success is to give what we’d like to get.

Assume We’re All Doing Our Best

Assuming that our partners are doing the best they can with the tools they’ve been given can soften the hardness of expectations and resentments and pave the way for more acceptance and appreciation.

Take a Break When Emotions Are High

If a topic becomes heated or charged between you and your partner, try asking for a breather—literally taking a time-out and literally taking some deep breaths. Some people find it helps to take a walk and get some fresh air. Do whatever you need to do to avoid saying something hurtful and to get grounded. Then you can return in a clear, mature state and resume the conversation.

Flash Forward to the Future

If you've been treating your partner in ways you aren’t proud of (and wouldn’t want to see portrayed on YouTube), you might find it helpful to flash forward. Imagine yourself in the future having made no significant changes in your relationship. Does this bring up sadness or regret? Some people flash forward and imagine feeling deep regret about not spending more quality time with their partner, listening more, slowing down more, criticizing less, appreciating more, or being more kind.

Read the complete article available at Psychology Today!

Reflection:

What are your thoughts on this article? What areas would you like to improve more on in your relationship?

#Relationships #Communication #Friendship #Support

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