7 Steps to Improve Your Relationship

Good relationships don't just happen. Many people think that if they take work, they're not meant to be. But, just like keeping fit, working on a relationship is essential. I've found seven critical choices that can improve or even save your relationship.

TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF

This choice is crucial for a better relationship. It means you take charge of your feelings and needs. You learn to do it yourself instead of expecting your partner to make you happy. It starts from within.

For instance, learn why you feel abandoned instead of getting mad at your partner for being late. This will help you better understand your own needs.

When you take full responsibility, you stop blaming your partner for unhappiness. Blaming others is a big problem in relationships. Taking care of yourself is key to a happy relationship.

KINDNESS, COMPASSION, ACCEPTANCE

Treat others the way you want to be treated. This is the heart of a spiritual life. We all want to be loved with kindness and understanding.

We should treat ourselves and our partners with kindness. Treating each other with love can bring more love back. However, if your partner is always mean, you might need to rethink your approach.

Remember, being kind doesn't mean you're sacrificing yourself. Always prioritize taking care of yourself. If your partner is always negative, you might need to accept a distant relationship or leave.

LEARNING INSTEAD OF CONTROLLING

When conflicts arise, you can choose to learn or control. Trying to control others often leads to more problems. Learning is critical to improving your relationship.

For example, people often fear being abandoned or engulfed in a relationship. These fears can lead to trying to control your partner, but learning about them can help you heal and grow.

CREATE DATE TIMES

When couples first fall in love, they make time for each other. But as time goes by, they often get busy. Setting aside time for each other to keep the relationship alive is important. Little things like date nights will help kick things off. It doesn't have to be expensive, just a simple dinner or a walk in the park. It's the time together that matters.

GRATITUDE INSTEAD OF COMPLAINTS

When two people have an “attitude of gratitude,” positive energy flows between them. Constant complaining creates heavy, negative energy, which is not fun to be around.

It's better to be grateful for what you have instead of focusing on what you don't have. Complaints stress us out. Gratitude, on the other hand, brings inner peace. This peace not only helps our emotional and relationship health but also our physical health. Always look for the smallest thing that you can be grateful for.

FUN AND PLAY

Remember, “work without play makes Jack a dull boy.” This is true for relationships, too. When people laugh and play together, relationships grow stronger. Humor should be a part of our daily lives.

Don't take everything too seriously. Learn to see the funny side of life. When a relationship is light, intimacy grows. It doesn't grow when everything feels heavy.

SERVICE

Doing service projects together can bring you closer. Giving to others fills our hearts and brings deep satisfaction. It helps us move beyond our problems and see life more broadly.

If you and your partner follow these seven choices, your relationship will improve dramatically! Start by trying at least two, expand from there, and then get creative and have fun.

Never stop finding ways to show you care.