Whether you’re single, in a situationship, or in a long-term committed relationship, all aspects of dating can be challenging. While experiencing life with someone you deeply admire can be exciting, it doesn’t come without hardships. There’s an overwhelming amount of information on the internet about relationships and dating. Often times the information is controversial and different sources seem to disagree. While it’s best to do what you think is right, it can’t hurt to listen to other opinions and perspectives. Here’s a list of some of the most important Do’s and Dont’s in regards to having a healthy relationship.
- 1. Don’t expect your partner to read your mind.
While this may seem obvious, it tends to happen often in both dating and committed relationships. When dating you may assume your partner somehow knows how you feel towards them, even though you haven’t expressed it. Failure to directly tell someone how you feel leads to confusion and ultimately separation. The same could be said for long-term relationships, it’s crucial to be transparent with your needs to your significant other. If you don’t express this, over time, can cause resentment and tension in the relationship.
- 2. Do communicate
You have probably already heard this one a million times before but it’s because it’s so important. The second leading cause of divorce, 55%, is due to conflict and too much arguing. While disagreements in a relationship are inevitable and oftentimes healthy, the main cause of conflict is due to a lack of communication. Expressing your needs and expectations to your partner is essential, and listening to them is equally as important.
- 3. Don’t rely on your partner for all your emotional needs
It’s important to communicate to your partner about anything you may be struggling with, mentally, physically, etc. While your partner is there to give you support and encouragement, it’s unrealistic to expect them to have the answers. Furthermore, it’s not their responsibility. Depending on the severity of your problems is best to also confide in friends and family, have other coping mechanisms, and consult with a therapist.
- 4. Do keep your independence
Building a life with someone you love can be so beautiful and exciting. However, it’s important to remain independent and enjoy doing activities without your partner. This cultivates mutual respect and understanding between the two of you. Setting healthy boundaries, it’s a great way to do this. Expending all your time and energy into the relationship, and neglecting other parts of yourself and life will, unfortunately, lead to separation.
- 5. Don’t keep secrets
Trust is one of the key foundations of a healthy relationship. Even if you are casually dating someone, it’s important to always be upfront and honest about everything. One white lie can lead to another and soon enough your relationship is all fake. Being honest prevents future conflicts and feelings of betrayal and anger. Cheating certainly falls under this category and is the third leading cause of divorce.
- 6. Do keep the romance
When you first start dating this one seems like a given and often easy. However, as time goes on and you become more comfortable the romance can fade. Continuing to go on dates, can keep things fresh and exciting. Intimacy is also a huge factor in maintaining a healthy relationship. While intimacy doesn’t equate to sex they often go hand and hand. Sex is an undeniable part of a relationship, as it can create a deep connection bonding two individuals closer together both physically and emotionally. Whether you’re casually dating, in a committed relationship, or married, sex is important and it’s even more important to have open communication about this with your partner.
