6 Keys to a Successful Relationship
You hear about success in business all the time, but not much about success in relationships. So how do you get a successful relationship?
The road may not be simple, but it’s worth going down. Here are some tips.
How can I have a successful relationship?
When the relationship is new, you see everything through rose-colored glasses. But over time, everyday life and getting to know each other can wear you down.
Believe it or not, a successful relationship isn’t something that only exists in the movies. However, you do have to work together and head in the same direction.
The tips below can help. Whether you’re just starting a relationship or you’ve been together years already and now experiencing problems, they’re worth a look.
Take a look at this, as well:
1. Let go of dependence
It’s normal to be glued at the hip at the beginning and want to spend all your time with your partner. But later, it could turn into dependence: absolutely needing it to be happy.
Being independent doesn’t mean you stop loving each other or showing affection; it just means understanding that you each have your own hobbies and obligations.
It’s healthy to not always be glued together. Unfortunately, however, a lot of people can’t enjoy life without their partner right there — it’s a common mistake!
2. Always respect each other
Long-term marriage studies teach us this key to a successful relationship. Respect is the foundation of any kind of relationship, and a romantic relationship is definitely not an exception.
What does respect mean?
Putting yourself in their place, understanding and accepting them, letting them express themselves, not forcing them to be who they’re not, and not crowding them.
3. Say goodbye to selfishness
Being one half of a couple means thinking of both of you at all times. That’s why selfishness has no place in a successful relationship.
What does that mean?
It’s about thinking of them and not just you when it comes time to make a decision. Your future depends on it.
We’re not saying you should ignore all of your own preferences, but serious relationships are about reaching agreements that work for the both of you. It’s like an employment contract or any other agreement between two parties.
Remember that the world doesn’t revolve around you. Other people have needs, too. Being more selfless in your relationship and taking a few minutes to give your partner some attention will set the scene for peace and happiness.
4. Talk about everything
Another key to a successful relationship is communication. Even if they’re tough subjects that you know will involve an argument, it’s worth it.
It’s very important to express what you want, feel, and like from your partner, and it’s even good to bring up controversial subjects and differing points of view.
Life isn’t all sunshine and roses. Relationships have their ebbs and flows, and therefore dialogue is necessary. Hiding things doesn’t work, because then disillusionment grows and eventually there may be no solution to the problem anymore.
Honesty and authenticity are two basic ingredients to any successful relationship. Saying the truth at all times, despite possible negative consequences, is valuable. So go ahead and talk about that thing you’ve been hiding in your heart for so long!
5. Do things together
Did you know that sharing a hobby with your partner is very good for you? It keeps you from falling into a rut, it prevents boredom, and it gives you something nice to talk about. Plus, it helps you connect better — and not through a screen but rather looking them in the eye and knowing what they’re thinking. It’s a chance to support each other and help them meet their goals.
You could do some sport together, go to concerts, cook at home, take dance classes, garden side-by-side… Anything goes! Try something for a few weeks and you’ll see the positive results.
Remember this: you should both like the activity you do. You don’t want to force your partner to go with you to a Zumba class. You don’t want them to force you to see a horror movie if you hate them. Find something you both like and that will bring you together. You’ve surely find a lot of options!
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6. Recognize that other relationships matter, too
This part is also important for a successful relationship. Always being just the two of you can actually be counterproductive, so organize get-togethers, visit family, make new friends, spend time with people who have things in common with you, go on a double date…Open up your little two-person circle!
Being with other people will make your everyday dynamic even better. You’ll get out of your bubble and be enriched in all ways. It will be a great conversation topic and fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon or weeknight!
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
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Fowers, B. J., Montel, K. H., & Olson, D. H. (1996). Predicting marital success for premarital couple types based on PREPARE. Journal of marital and family therapy, 22(1), 103-119.
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Johnson, M. D., Nguyen, L., Anderson, J. R., Liu, W., & Vennum, A. (2015). Pathways to romantic relationship success among Chinese young adult couples: Contributions of family dysfunction, mental health problems, and negative couple interaction. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 32(1), 5-23.
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Hanson, R. R., & Woodside, S. J. (2009). Optimizing marital success: The conscious couple uniting process. Humboldt Journal of Social Relations, 158-183.
