Strong Relationship

What Makes a Relationship Great?

Why are some couples happier than others? What is the “secret” for a great relationship? With certain couples it is clear there is something about the way they interact that makes it obvious they have a unique and genuine connection.

Even if you’re in a good relationship, you can’t help but wonder: What do they know that I don’t? And if you’re single, you might look at these couples and attribute it all to chemistry or destiny. But it turns out that people in great relationships live by a few basic rules and they make these rules a priority in their day-to-day lives together. Consider these habits that can help you create a strong, nurturing relationship.

  • Great relationships are based on realistic expectations
  • Great relationships take work and thoughtfulness every day
  • Great relationships need communication know-how
  • Great relationships turn negatives into positives

Great relationships are based on realistic expectations

Forget what you see in the movies or on television. In other words, real relationships aren’t anything like what you see in the movies full of non-stop romance, candlelight dinners and whirlwind trips to exotic locations.

Real relationships take effort, time and commitment. Great relationships just don’t happen because two people love each very much, great relationships happen because not only do two people love each other very much, they also value one another and are willing to make an investment of time into the relationship – day after day.

Couples in healthy and positive relationships have a fundamental understanding of the proper and appropriate expectations for a stable and long-lasting relationship. They understand that not all days will be full or passion and romance. Similarly, they understand that rough spots in a relationship may only be temporary if good communication is present to work through these times.

A good way to look at this is to consider not getting too excited with the very high “highs” or too concerned with the very low “lows.” Both are momentary at best, and will not define the true nature and scope of the relationship over a long period of time. By reframing these extremes, you will be left with the right measure of balance and the right set of expectations to build a quality and sustainable relationship for many years to come.

Great relationships take work and thoughtfulness every day

People who are in successful relationships work on these partnerships regularly. They don’t just set their life on cruise control expecting things to be great all of the time. Ask yourself, “What can I do today to make my partner’s life better?” Little bits of effort every day will accumulate over time and make a big difference.

Think of small, specific ways to make your relationship better whether it’s picking up your loved one’s dry cleaning, telling your partner that you’re proud of him or her, or taking over a task he or she really doesn’t like to do.

You should make an effort every day to deposit at least one act of thoughtfulness into your relationship’s bank account. Your goal, however, should not be to make a huge withdrawal at the end of the week. Your only goal should be to keep giving the things your mate wants – either his or her expressed and unexpressed wants. If there are actions you can take to make your partner’s day more convenient and less stressful, then do them. But, again, don’t do them for what you could gain by providing them.

Great relationships need communication know-how

It may look as if people in great relationships intuitively know what their partners need. But the truth is, no one is a mind-reader so don’t expect your partner to be able to figure out how you’re feeling.

When things aren’t perfectly in sync, couples in this kind of relationship know how to communicate. They know that instead of giving their partner a laundry list of what he or she is doing wrong, they can be specific about what it is that they want. They also make an effort to discover what their partner’s needs are. The best way for most people to do this is talk about it.

Ask your partner what things are really important to him or her. Does he want to know you’re proud of him? Does she need to be able to express her sadness over a family or work-related situation without hearing how she ought to handle it?

Too often we get into the habit of coaching and not listening. The best way to let your partner know you are listening is to ask how she or he “feels” about the situation. Once they begin sharing, your job is simply to shut-up and listen. Offer acknowledgments and affirmations from time-to-time to demonstrate you are engaged with what is being said. Only give your opinion or advice if asked.

Great relationships turn negatives into positives

You may have heard the expression: “When you are given lemons – make lemonade.” Overtime, relationships are handed several lemons. The sources for negative feelings and unbalance are numerous. Some are directly caused between both people because of poor or missing communication. Indirect sources of anxiety in a relationship can be work- related or financially based.

When the interpersonal aspect of the relationship is creating the negativity, consider this simple exercise. First, you and your partner must be open to honest feedback. Next, ask your partner this question: “On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate our relationship (keep in mind the word “relationship” can be substituted for intimacy; support of one another, etc.).

Allow your partner time to reflect and provide an honest reply. If the answer is “Seven,” ask this follow-up question: “What are three things I can do to get our relationship to a ten (if the answer is “six,” you would ask for four things, etc.)? Again, give your partner time to consider their response. It may be hard to listen, because the answers may sound critical and negative. But really, the answers are solutions to turn the negatives into positives.

There is one more critical part of this exercise. After your partner is finished and you have taken in and acknowledged the areas for improvement, ask this question: “What are three (or whatever the number needs to be) things you can do to get our relationship to a ten?”

By asking this follow-up question, it’s putting the relationship back on equal footing and back into the spirit of a true partnership. Except for certain extreme and unfortunate examples, most relationships are successful, or not successful, because of the contributions and efforts of both. Take an honest look at how you are contributing to any negative circumstances, but also be aware it does take two to make it work and to create a more positive and healthy relationship.

When lemons drop from the trees, but you and your partner were expecting apples, begin to make lemonade by creating an action list of what you both can do to get apples next time.

This article was written by Alex Blackwell. Please be sure to visit Alex’s new blog The BridgeMaker.com. Alex’s blog focuses on the importance of compassion and healing in our lives. Please visit Alex’s wonderful blog today!

Image by Nesster.


GET THE BOOK BY
ERIN FALCONER!

Erin shows overscheduled, overwhelmed women how to do less so that they can achieve more. Traditional productivity books—written by men—barely touch the tangle of cultural pressures that women feel when facing down a to-do list. How to Get Sh*t Done will teach you how to zero in on the three areas of your life where you want to excel, and then it will show you how to off-load, outsource, or just stop giving a damn about the rest.

98 Responses to What Makes a Relationship Great?

  1. boxing news says:

    I think this is a real great blog. Really thank you! Want more.

  2. Stephenpep says:

    can you buy viagra over the counter cost of viagra viagra discount

  3. Jamesgreat says:

    daily use of cialis order cialis generic 30ml liquid cialis

  4. Travisshoob says:

    buy real viagra online cheap viagra generic order viagra online

  5. Jamesspura says:

    viagra online canada generic viagra is viagra over the counter

  6. Jamesspura says:

    canadian online pharmacy viagra generic viagra online online viagra

  7. Jamesspura says:

    viagra prescription online viagra canada buy generic viagra

  8. Jamesspura says:

    viagra pill generic viagra best place to buy viagra online

  9. Jamesspura says:

    viagra without a doctor prescription generic viagra online mail order viagra

  10. Ernestjiz says:

    prices of viagra at walmart generic cialis the best ed pills

  11. Ernestjiz says:

    best male enhancement generic viagra home remedies for ed

  12. Ernestjiz says:

    website generic ed pills medications online

  13. Ernestjiz says:

    top ed pills generic cialis buy prescription drugs from india

  14. Dannymug says:

    how does cialis work cheap cialis warnings for cialis

  15. Dannymug says:

    generic cialis no doctor’s prescription cialis for sale lowest cialis prices

  16. BruceBep says:

    foods for ed diabetes and ed ed trial pack
    drug prices comparison

  17. BruceBep says:

    viagra without doctor prescription amazon prescription drugs ed vacuum pump
    how to overcome ed

  18. BruceBep says:

    ed drugs compared buy ed pills online legal to buy prescription drugs from canada
    buy prescription drugs online without

  19. MichealRot says:

    https://ventolin100mcg.com/ ventolin brand name

  20. MichealRot says:

    https://ventolin100mcg.com/ how much is a ventolin

  21. MichealRot says:

    https://zithromaxgeneric500.com/ buy generic zithromax no prescription

  22. WilliamMedlY says:

    sildenafil for sale buy sildenafil online

  23. WilliamMedlY says:

    tadalafil online buy cheap tadalafil

  24. WilliamMedlY says:

    generic tadalafil tadalafil canada

  25. WilliamMedlY says:

    tadalafil canada buy tadalafil

  26. Revolutional update of captcha solution software “XRumer 19.0 + XEvil 5.0”:

    Captchas solving of Google (ReCaptcha-2 and ReCaptcha-3), Facebook, BitFinex, Bing, Hotmail, SolveMedia, Yandex,
    and more than 12000 another size-types of captcha,
    with highest precision (80..100%) and highest speed (100 img per second).
    You can use XEvil 5.0 with any most popular SEO/SMM software: iMacros, XRumer, SERP Parser, GSA SER, RankerX, ZennoPoster, Scrapebox, Senuke, FaucetCollector and more than 100 of other programms.

    Interested? You can find a lot of introducing videos about XEvil in YouTube.

    FREE DEMO AVAILABLE!

    See you later!

  27. JamesDuape says:

    САмое эффективное для продаж – Pinterest. Сотни Продаж на Etsy, amazon, ebay, shopify за 2 месяца при ср.цене чека 300 usd https://youtu.be/GNOZtXGGM-I

  28. StephenDex says:

    Получи бездепозитный бонус казино 2020 с выводом к себе на счет. На сайте доступно огромное количество бонусов, в том числе и бездепозитные за регистрацию с выводом прибыли – https://www.888academ.com/bonuses.html Для того, чтобы получить их необходимо будет просто воспользоваться предельно простыми инструкциями. В целом они будут понятны всем, даже начинающим пользователям, поэтому перестаньте сомневаться начните рассматривать абсолютно каждый бесплатный бонус казино, который Вы найдете у нас на сайте.

  29. DafScolo says:

    The cleansing company accomplishes cleaning of rooms of different dimensions and also configurations.

    We offer expert maid service brooklyn for personal clients. Utilizing European devices as well as certified tools, we attain optimal outcomes and also provide cleansing quickly.

    The business’s professionals offer cleaning with the help of modern innovations, have unique equipment, and also have actually accredited cleaning agents in their toolbox. Along with the above advantages, white wines provide: beneficial prices; cleansing quickly; high quality outcomes; greater than 100 positive evaluations. Cleaning offices will certainly aid maintain your office in order for the most efficient job. Any type of firm is very essential atmosphere in the group. Cleansing solutions that can be ordered cheaply now can aid to arrange it and supply a comfortable space for labor.

    If required, we leave cleaning up the kitchen area 2-3 hrs after placing the order. You obtain cleansing as soon as possible.

    We offer discounts for those that use the service for the very first time, as well as positive regards to participation for routine customers.

    We supply premium cleansing for huge business and also little firms of different directions, with a discount rate of up to 25%.

    Our friendly team provides you to obtain familiarized with positive regards to cooperation for corporate customers. We sensibly approach our activities, tidy utilizing expert cleaning items and specific tools. Our employees are trained, have medical books and also are familiar with the nuances of removing complex and also hard-to-remove dirt from surface areas.

  30. ronaldid4 says:

    Hot teen pics
    http://ebaywebsiteuk.amandahot.com/?abbie

    chinese porn wmv free hd video streaming porn complete porn movies 18 porn sites $1 membership free group lesbien bit tits porn

  31. viawinlol says:

    buy viagra spain viagra professional generic viagra australia chemists

  32. Leonardkit says:

    САмое эффективное для продаж – Pinterest. Смотрите Видео пример продаж: Сотни Продаж на Etsy, amazon, ebay, shopify за 2 месяца при ср.цене чека 300 usd https://youtu.be/GNOZtXGGM-I

  33. Williamimmem says:

    проститутки ростова на дону 7, размещенные на нашем ресурсе, настолько прекрасны, что выбор будет сделать совсем не просто, но выбрав самую развратную красотку-путану, она воплотит в реальность самые смелые сексуальные фантазии.

  34. Antonioaroft says:

    Ikfdsdjsdjsi jfidhjdaoskdoshfisjdo jifjowdoajdiwhfiwjdc iwjfihgiehfoswjfiegiefhwij ififvjifhihfiwsjkcoshjvigedh jfijsfocsfcisfjiehdfiwsjo jfowsjfdowsufiwsfihdsicsi https://mail.ru/?yriwutrueyeiwiryeuriweieutgdjhcjskfjdugvudjfishd

  35. StephenNup says:

    viagra cost per pill buy viagra online buy generic viagra

  36. JamesDuape says:

    САмое эффективное для продаж – Pinterest. Dbltj – Сотни Продаж на Etsy, amazon, ebay, shopify за 2 месяца при ср.цене чека 300 usd https://youtu.be/GNOZtXGGM-I

  37. PursoVa says:

    comprar sildenafil Treapy cialis without a doctor’s prescription sedpouro Priligy 30mg Tablets

  38. RobinSeike says:

    the effects of cialis on women cialis generic generic cialis

  39. margaretcq18 says:

    Sexy teen photo galleries
    http://tameporn.allproblog.com/?alanna

    free porn hot naked men brookeskye boygirl porn free amatuer porn vids claudia costa porn free porn dog style

  40. RobinSeike says:

    ed pills for sale best canadian pharmacy how to treat ed

  41. BGTbiple says:

    В этот Rolls Royce мы поставили навигационно-мультимедийную систему. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2KTgXCu5W8 Она может разделять экран на две части. Абсолютно любые приложения вы можете самостоятельно скачать с PlayMarket, загрузить их на рабочий стол и пользоваться ими так, как будто они всегда здесь были.
    При включении задней передачи всегда будет в приоритете оригинальная система парковки. Весь функционал сохраняется, все штатное без изменений. В любой момент можете перейти в штатную систему, что-то там изменить или настроить и опять провалиться в мир современного мультимедиа, потому что там гораздо интереснее… Весь оригинальный функционал сохраняется. Так же установили видеорегистратор на его родное место

  42. RobinSeike says:

    herbal replacement for viagra/cialis/levitra… buy cialis taking l-citrulline and cialis together

  43. Ofowribi says:

    Being in standing sex https://pornoturedy.com by the desk or cowgirl on the sofa. Having a sexual interaction until he climax on here big fake tits.

  44. Abadon says:

    Изготовление фонарей.
    Предприятие постоянно развивается и улучшает нашу продукцию, поэтому возможно изменение размеров, конструкции и комплектации представленных моделей при сохранении или улучшении функциональных и технических характеристик.
    Разработка МАФов для комплексного благоустройства города (скамейки уличные парковые, урны, вазоны.

    Производство фонарей – это важная часть проекта. Выбор фонарей для улицы
    Особенности уличного освещения улицы имеет свои определенные характеристики.

  45. RobinSeike says:

    cialis prices cheap cialis cialis vs viagra

  46. darcymz18 says:

    Dirty Porn Photos, daily updated galleries
    http://sextoypornfree.instasexyblog.com/?kaylin

    xxx free trailers porn masturbation porn movies sex fantasise free porn webclips porn model candy barely legal her first girl porn hub

  47. RobinSeike says:

    best drugs for erectile dysfunction canada online pharmacy ed vacuum pumps

  48. mikezt11 says:

    Enjoy daily galleries
    http://comic.porn.instasexyblog.com/?noelia

    free victoria style porn porn tube milf teen boy heather hunter porn movie clip wild free downloadable porn trailers minute free porn videos

  49. traciyy18 says:

    Best Nude Playmates & Centerfolds, Beautiful galleries daily updates
    http://jovenporn.moesexy.com/?allison

    kasumi cg porn penthouse porn star video free tight clothes porn videos free blonds porn porn in a skirt

  50. xxhdlpnja says:

    Супер давно искал
    _________________
    зеркало сайтов бк

  51. Traviserony says:

    which ed drug is best: ed supplements causes of ed

  52. DavidPeado says:

    First of all, it is obligatory to bargain in default the problems that the seep will prepare to great amount with. To do this, you call for to submit the unstintingly to an examination that will identify which substances outrank the allowable limit. Then, if it turns doused that in your not be sensible, for the duration of case, lone iron exceeds the norm, it when one pleases be adequate to install a de-ironer, but it is proper to be beyond the chlorine, hardness salts, living and other impurities, in this situation you can not do without a complex stationary cleaning set (stream quintessence or underside osmosis).
    More http://bestwaterfilterx.mybjjblog.com/how-to-choose-a-hot-water-filter-11495428

  53. Traviserony says:

    injections for ed: ed problems treatment male erectile dysfunction

  54. annicinna says:

    что должен делать рабочий по комплексному обслуживанию и ремонту зданий

    робітник з комплексного обслуговування й ремонту будівель
    программа стажировки рабочего по комплексному обслуживанию ремонту зданий
    комплексные ремонты
    комплексный ремонт квартир алматы
    рабочий по комплексному обслуживанию и ремонту зданий профстандарт

  55. Free Porn Pictures and Best HD Sex Photos
    http://nylonsexfilms.instakink.com/?cynthia

    what is pov in porn world mother teaches daughter sex porn videos laura prepon fake porn sexy free porn sites britney spears porn pic

  56. Leonardkit says:

    Продажи с помощью Pinterest. Смотрите Видео: Сотни Продаж на Etsy, amazon, ebay, shopify за 2 месяца при ср.цене чека 300 usd https://youtu.be/GNOZtXGGM-I

  57. LarryCague says:

    what are ed drugs buy viagra online canada pharmacy ed online pharmacy

  58. LarryCague says:

    buy real viagra online viagra for men online how much viagra should i take the first time?

  59. LarryCague says:

    can you buy zithromax over the counter zithromax over the counter canada zithromax coupon

  60. LarryCague says:

    cialis online pharmacy generic cialis available cost of cialis

  61. Acsezamus says:

    Обучение аварийному вскрытию сейфов
    Запускай свой доходный бизнес в своем городе.

    курсы по открыванию автомобилей

    Записывайся

  62. LarryCague says:

    prices of viagra at walmart cheap viagra online canada pharmacy online canadian pharmacy

  63. LarryCague says:

    viagra prices viagra pills how much is viagra

  64. Kisha says:

    Thanks for the good writeup. It if truth be told was once a entertainment account it.

    Glance complicated to far introduced agreeable from you!
    By the way, how could we be in contact?

  65. Abikovich says:

    Взлом замков

    Пропали ключи
    Нужно открыть замок вскрытие замков
    Быстрая услуга при утере ключей замка

  66. Abikovich says:

    Вскрытие дверй

    Пропали ключи
    Хотите открыть дверь вскрытие-замков-крым.рф
    Экстренная помощь при утере ключей двери

  67. AbakinSlava says:

    Производство кассет для бахчевых культур
    Многолетние кассеты для рассады сайт
    Привезем в ваш город.

  68. Everything is very open with a clear description of the issues. It was truly informative. Your site is very useful. Many thanks for sharing!

  69. I really like reading through an article that will make people think. Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!

  70. 小学生 ダッチワイフ I am so grateful for your blog article.Much thanks again. Really Great. Men openly accept the taste of life-sized love dolls and are reported to be really happy and happ

  71. sex doll flat chest What’s up to every body, it’s my first pay a quick visit of this blog; this website contains amazing and in fact excellent data in support of readers.

  72. 스모크밤957 says:

    The best e-cigarette liquid site in Korea. Korea’s lowest-priced 전자담배 액상 사이트 e-cigarette liquid.
    스모크밤957 스모크밤

  73. 스모크밤655 says:

    전자담배 액상 사이트 The best e-cigarette liquid site in Korea. smok25 Korea’s lowest-priced e-cigarette liquid. 스모크밤655 스모크밤

  74. YsLVom says:

    제주룸
    575YsLVom”`}

  75. Phenomenal is a revolutionary, multifunctional and also multidisciplinary natural supplement that makes certain the promo of your health by enhancing your total health.

  76. Do you learn about the Amazingness life-style?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.