The Secret to Maintaining a Successful Relationship

We have many different types of relationship dynamics present in our lives: romantic, friendship, professional and so on. Out of all the diverse kinds of connections we form and share, romantic relationships can often be one of the most important to us.

A romantic relationship is unique because unlike friendships, there's usually only one dynamic like this. This connection is special; you and the other person only share this type of interaction with each other.

There are a million and one components that go into making your relationship the absolute best it can be, but in general, there are a few key elements that allow your relationship to thrive and live up to its full potential.

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Compromise

This can be extremely tough to get the hang of. Compromise is definitely something that takes practice, and improves with time and experience. No one wants to make sacrifices, which is understandable. We all have our own set routines, likes, dislikes and so forth. So when a partner comes into the picture this can shake up your habits.

Still, meeting your partner halfway is critical to allowing the relationship to work. We have to give certain things up to please the other person and while it is annoying in the short-term, in the long run, it will pay off. If you're willing to take turns with regard to the give and take of what your partner wants, the more likely it is that the relationship will continue to work.

Constructive Criticism 

No one likes being criticized, period. We don't like being told what we're bad at because it hurts our egos and our pride. In a relationship, when your partner suggests for you to work on something it's important to keep an open mind about it. Of course if your partner is constantly harping on your negatives that's a different situation entirely.

When referring to constructive criticism here means occasional conversations about what you can improve within yourself in order to benefit the relationship as a whole. It's very easy to get defensive in conversations like this because we really don't want to hear about what we're not doing well.

Unfortunately, the sooner we learn how to handle this style of conversation, the better. Hear your partner out. They could definitely be wrong but they could also be right. Just listen with an open mind and let yourself do some self-reflection before responding. Either way, try to react in an understanding manner rather than a defensive one; it shows you're trying to learn and improve. It's the effort that counts.

Boundaries

Dating means you two are going to be spending a lot of time with each other, but between all of that time you need to schedule in some alone time of your own or time apart. It's tempting to want to do everything together, especially when you're just starting out, but as time goes on try and create time when you and your partner do your own things.

For example, it's great to hang out with him and his friends or vice versa, but there definitely needs to be times when he has his guy time and you have your girl time. It's important to maintain your own social circle outside of the relationship otherwise things can start to feel a little claustrophobic.

Trust

Trusting each other is the ultimate test of any relationship. It's plain and simple; you either trust each other or you don't. If one or both of you cannot trust the other, this is not a good sign. Trusting each other is the premise of the entire relationship. You trust each other with secrets, fears, dreams, vulnerability etc.

If you and your partner can establish a common ground of what is and is not okay, you must then put faith into the other person to abide by these rules. If you can honestly and openly trust in each other, you're in a good place.

Those who are always questioning their partner's ability to be loyal, are those who may have some trouble. If you cannot fully feel comfortable about what your partner does when they are not with you, this is a problem. You physically cannot always be with them, so if you're feeling anxious without them or worried about what they may be doing, it may be time to re-evaluate the relationship or have a serious conversation.