7 Steps To A Better Relationship

This article is from our print magazine issued July 1st 2022. To order a copy of the magazine please do so here.

It is no secret that as human beings, we need healthy, meaningful relationships to thrive and survive. The quality of the connections we form over time, across different life situations, is one of the cornerstones of a happy, fulfilling life.

Relationships take many forms around us - romantic to platonic, friends to family. These ties are crucial for the well-being of individuals and the smooth functioning of society itself. Nurturing the loved ones in your life and appreciating their worth and value is essential to maintaining strong, long-lasting bonds.

Here, we'll talk about seven ways to improve your relationships and make the most of the moments with the special ones in your life.

Communication is key

Poor communication can lead to a slew of issues, all of which can impact your relationship with your partner. And when we say communicate, we mean it in both directions. Make your feelings known, and also ensure you pay attention to the other person's thoughts. The goal should be for both individuals to have open, honest discussions rather than pointing fingers at each other.

The balancing act

Finding a balance between work life and home life is no easy task. With the pandemic pushing more people to telecommute or work from home, we see that quite often, the line between work and personal time is blurred or even non-existent. In the long run, this imbalance could create friction between family members and stressful conditions at home and work.

Taking control begins by managing your employer's and family's expectations about your availability. Opting for more flexible hours and delegating work efficiently will help you find time and space in the day for your loved ones.

Creating space

When two people are in a relationship, they often become reliant on one another. It's usually a non-issue unless the other person believes you are encroaching upon their personal space and hindering them from evolving independently. An ideal relationship is one where both partners have the freedom to grow and flourish, individually and jointly.

Making space does not imply physical space alone. It also necessitates that partners accept each other's limits, take time for themselves, and cultivate their values and interests. That will lead to a happier and healthier partnership.

Showing love

We all crave love, care, and affection and expect our relationships to fulfill these needs. Sometimes it's not enough that the sentiment exists. Thoughtful gestures expressed to a loved one show them how much they mean to you and how you value their presence in your life.

It's not always easy to express emotions practically. Grand displays of affection aren't always necessary either. Words of appreciation, a loving touch, kiss, or hug that conveys your intent could be just as precious to your partner. They feel secure in the relationship and feel motivated to reciprocate similarly.

Compromising the right way

Most relationships involve compromises. While often necessary, compromising could also be a double-edged sword that benefits only one party. Despite the bad rap it gets, compromising when positive, leads to stronger, healthier relationships

Positive compromising works when both parties have the opportunity to put forward their concerns and get to protect their best interests. It is about recognizing that people have different value systems. The key is to respect the differences and find a way to move forward.

Having fun together

Romantic connections often begin with a spark or surge of attraction that many couples worry will diminish over time. A lack of excitement can cause dreariness and lead to conflicts that could be detrimental to a healthy relationship.

The solution? Make time for fun! Be spontaneous, plan adventures, travel, and remember the fun times you had with each other. Enjoying new experiences as a couple helps reignite the passion, resolves intimacy issues, and makes life much more enjoyable.

Investing in relationships

In an intimate relationship, it helps when both partners have clarity about the direction they are going and take time to reflect upon their future. Ambiguity and indecisiveness can lead to feelings of resentment and anger which can hurt the relationship in the long run.

Mutual communication and trust between partners are crucial to understanding their expectations from the relationship. A committed couple should put in extra effort towards meeting their goals - to learn and understand each other, to be faithful and loyal, and to stay a constant source of support and comfort.

Life may not always go according to plan, and troubles are bound to crop up. During testing times, the presence of those closest to us helps make things bearable and inspires us to beat the odds. It is paramount to nurture and nourish the meaningful connections we make in life and commit to being there for them in time of need. So happy to share this with you loving folks. Keep loving & living.