1. Make your
relationship better by addressing old issues
Fights, jealousy and
previous misdemeanors upset our little bubble of romance and can make
relationships a tricky minefield. If you find yourself constantly arguing over
the same issues, or blowing up in anger over the smallest of triggers, it may
be because you and your partner have not addressed some old issues. Next time
this happens, try to stay calm and work out why you have reacted in this way.
If you recognize that you are angry about something that has happened in the
past it is time to be brave and sit down with your partner to discuss it. Try
not to accuse them. Instead talk through the problem, being as clear as
possible about the way you feel. Try to look them in the eyes, as this helps
build trust and intimacy. Once you’ve talked through your feelings attempt to
work out a solution together. Although it may take a long time to heal this
unresolved issue, if you feel you cannot forgive the person, it may be time to
walk away. These issues will only continue to repeat themselves.
2. Make your
relationship better by taking time out
Between going to work,
keeping fit and doing chores, it can be difficult to find the time to spend
some decent time with your partner. In the UK alone, a typical childless couple
only spends an average of two and a half hours a day with their partner, and of
that time nearly an entire hour is spent watching TV. If that sounds familiar
it’s time to make some changes. Firstly, have a TV ban and take your partner on
some dates. If you’re struggling for ideas, pretend that you are going on your
first few dates. Where would you take a guy or girl to impress them; a romantic
hillside spot for a picnic or a trendy bar to see a new band? Choose locations
that allow you both to talk to one another and ideally that are new to you
both. Sharing new experiences will help reinvigorate your love life and will
bring you both closer together. Remember, these dates are all about fun, so
enjoy it.
3. Make your
relationship better by changing gender
The opposite sex can
seem like a different species. Men and women have different habits, ideals and
needs. Therefore it’s no surprise that we often find it difficult to get along
with each other. The key to a good relationship is to understand that we are
not alike. We will not always share the same attitudes or perspectives. So, the
next time your guy tells you that you are overreacting, or your girl tells you
that you don’t care, listen to them. Instead of exploding with rage at their
idiocy, ask them why they think that and actually take what they say on board.
You then need to explain, clearly and calmly, why you think otherwise. This is
not to say that you should use their gender as an excuse when they treat you
badly. However, trying to get into one another mindset and understanding why
your partner acts in a certain way may help you overcome many nasty obstacles
and end a lot of fights.
4. Make your
relationship better by getting more sex
Sex can be a chore.
After a long day at work do we really want someone getting hot and sweaty on
us? We could have another 20 minutes in bed! Yet, the more we do it the more we
want it. So at times, although it sounds very unromantic, it can be best to
just power through and do it a few times a week. Once you’ve combated your
reluctance, you’ll reap all of the benefits. Not only are there zillions of
health perks to having regular sex, your relationship will also benefit. This
is because when we have sex the love drug, Oxycontin, is released, which makes
us build up a strong bond with the guy or girl we’re in bed with. It also
promotes trust and makes us feel more generous towards one another. The best
way to get more sex is to make sure you and your partner consider it to be a
priority. Also try to find a time that suits you. If you get too tired to have
sex before bed, try to do it in the morning or when you first get home.
5. Make your
relationship better by spending time apart
Okay, we know that we
are at risk of contradicting ourselves, but relationships are all about
balance. So although you need to make sure you spend quality time together,
it’s also not healthy to live in a two person love nest constantly. Not only will your partner’s every move start
to irritate you beyond belief, but boredom may begin to creep into your
relationship. Having your own interests, social scene and hobbies will help
keep you stimulated, balanced and healthy, and these qualities will inevitably
also pass on into your relationship too. The trick to spending time apart is to
agree with your partner how much “time off” you want to give each other. Once
agreed, find something that excites you. This may be a holiday with friends, a
charity challenge or training for a new event, like a 10k or marathon. Choose
something that helps you develop as an individual as this will help you feel
more independent and more interesting within yourself and your relationship.
