Tips For A Successful Relationship

We’ve all had our share of flings and dates but why does that “perfect” relationship keep slipping away? Have you ever looked at a so-in-love couple and wondered what it is that works for them and keeps them together? I know I have! I asked some of these happy and in-love couples what kept them going and these are some of the secrets of their success.

• Commitment

Okay…no surprises with this one! If there’s no commitment to the relationship, obviously it’s not headed anywhere quickly. One of you is bound to get frustrated sooner or later. So if you really have no vision of where the two of you are headed and if the future plans don’t necessarily feature whoever you’re seeing right now….hmm…do I need to finish this sentence?

• Friendship

Have you ever been friends with someone you’re seeing? Apparently that’s way up there on the “success” list. You know, you’ve gotta like hanging out together and doing friend stuff with them as much as the romantic couple stuff. Some couples say their partner is their best friend…isn’t that cute?

• Communication

Hell yes! Communicate, talk, listen, communicate! If you can’t communicate how you feel or what you think, you’re not in the right relationship sweetheart. Trust me…I say so from personal experience! Also, if you’re the one holding back and letting the other person in, seriously, don’t you think your boyfriend/ girlfriend deserves better?

• Space

Give each other space to do your own thing. It makes you stronger individuals and a stronger couple as a result. So if you hang out with mutual friends together but have individual friends too, you’re on the right track. Understand that they might not want to spend every moment with you, and that’s fine. Give each other space to grow and your relationship will grow with it.

• Humor

The couple that laughs together stays together! No don’t laugh at my corny line… I’m serious. Not only does it help “de-escalate conflicts” it also creates an “emotionally open and comfortable environment” for the couple. Ha ha…I’m loving my shrink language! But seriously, a sense of humor is a fabulous thing to have in a relationship.

• Affection

Affection always keeps the chemistry alive. It doesn’t matter whether it’s regularly saying “I love you”, sexual intimacy, holding hands, lots of hugs and cuddles or any other way of being affectionate. Whatever your way of being affectionate, as long as your partner’s feelin’ it, you’re doing it right.

• Independent Dependence

Extreme independence or dependence are both bad for a relationship. What’s important is a good mix. Depending on each other and expecting support is cool but when you can’t function independently anymore, you know it’s a sign for trouble right? Doing stuff independently will make you happy and satisfied, and obviously the satisfaction will spill into your love life as well.

Pretty useful tips these and I have to admit, communication has been a major problem in some of my relationships. I also love the tip about friendship because I know I want a man who can be my best friend…sadly, I haven’t found him yet! Ha ha! What do y’all think?

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