The 6Cs: The Key to Keeping Your Relationship in Good Health

What makes a strong and healthy relationship?

There are millions of articles on the world wide web that will give you a wide array of answers.

Some blogs might talk about celebrity couples and dissect what they do that works out for them. Others might take a more research-backed approach and present you with statistical patterns and curated numbers.

But if their answers are not the kind that you are looking for, then this might be exactly what you need.

This article will cover the 6C’s in a relationship: compatibility, compromise, consideration, conduct, communication, and commitment.

These are the most common factors you need to consider if you want a steady and long-lasting relationship. To start with, it’s best to understand exactly how these concepts play a vital role in your relationship.

Compatibility

‘Opposites attract’ vs ‘like attracts like.’

Which one do you think is more applicable in relationships?

Let’s try to analyze them.

Like attracts like.

Having a common factor helps you bond with one another. That’s because it’s much easier to get along with people who share similarities with you. It makes you feel understood and seen.

Then again, some people tend to avoid dating someone similar to them because they see themselves in them. It reminds them of the parts of themselves that they don’t like. It’s like seeing themselves in the mirror and not liking what they see.

Opposites attract.

Partners who are opposites help compliment each other. They manage to fill in each other’s gaps and support each other’s journeys. But there will always be those little differences where you can’t see eye to eye, and no form of compromise is possible.

In the end, whether you and your partner are similar or opposites, there’s no guarantee that you’ll work out in the long run. That’s where compatibility comes in.

Compatibility refers to how well you and your partner complement each other. It’s the degree of comfort and understanding you have with one another. Whether you share similarities or none at all, as long as you are compatible, your relationship will have a higher chance of surviving indefinitely.

Compromise

No two people are the same; even the happiest of lovers have a few differences or two. To avoid arguments with your partner, you have to meet each other halfway.

The art of compromise requires both parties to be understanding and considerate of the other. Likewise, there’s no such thing as too little when it comes to making concessions.

Whether it’s dividing chores or choosing what movie to watch for your night in, subject matters that require decision-making needs compromising. Everything is a give-and-take process.

If you want to know the key to a healthy compromise within a relationship, it’s like this: you need to be willing to agree and step your foot down when it comes to non-negotiable terms. It should never feel like you’re stepping on eggshells or walking into a landmine.

Lastly, a compromise needs to be fair. Both of you need to be satisfied with the agreed arrangement. At the end of it all, no one wins, and no one loses. If you can manage to do that with your partner, you can overcome any relationship issues that come your way.

Consideration

It feels good to have a partner who is considerate of your needs.

If you’re too busy to do the dishes, they will often offer to do it for you instead. If you have had a stressful day, they will tenderly propose to give you a massage. It’s these little things in relationships that make it worthwhile.

Of course, this goes both ways as well. There are so many ways for you to show your partner how much you love and appreciate them. You could surprise them out for a date in this restaurant they’ve always wanted to try, or you could bring them their morning coffee. Even a simple “Are you okay?” can make a huge difference.

As partners, you have to look out for one another. You don’t always have to keep tabs on their wants and needs, but it would be much appreciated if you help them look after themselves whenever you can.

Besides, caring for your partner won’t feel like a chore if you genuinely love them. The innate instinct to care flows naturally to you when it comes to the people you love.

Conduct

Ideally, couples in a relationship should be comfortable with one another. But sometimes, when you get too comfortable, you can take your partner for granted.

Let’s say you borrowed their car. At first, they did not seem to mind when you returned it without refilling the fuel tank. Ever since then, you’ve been abusing their kindness.

They might let your behavior slide, but if you know it’s not right, then you have to put an end to it. It's not good to take advantage of your partner or grow dependent on them for your needs. They might grow tired of this behavior.

As much as possible, be aware and reflect on your actions, whether they are detrimental to your relationship or not.

Communication

You’ve heard it once, and you’ll never stop hearing it over and over:

Communication is the key to a healthy relationship.

It’s been tested and proven multiple times and has helped many couples resolve their conflicts.

If anything bothers you, let your partner know. It can be nerve-wracking to confront them, but you have to. You wouldn’t want your little problems stacking up on you, eventually turning into an even bigger problem.

So speak up and let your partner know if you need to get something off your chest. Your future self will thank you later on.

Commitment

Love isn’t enough to sustain a relationship. You have to stay committed to your partner and fulfill your promises of sticking with one another through thick and thin.

However, there will be days where your relationship will be tested. There might even be people that’ll doubt the durability of your relationship. And blocking out these distractions won’t be easy either. You might even find yourself pulling your hair out of frustration at times.

But at the end of the day, these people won’t matter. Because it’s you and your partner that will be facing each other when you go to sleep. You’ve been through so many things together — losing your relationship over other people’s opinions isn’t worth it.

If you stay focused and motivate each other to go further in life, you’ll be reaping a lot more rewards than just loyalty.

Have you applied any of these C’s in your life?

You may or may not be familiar with these C’s already, but even if you were aware of them, it pays to be reminded about these things once in a while.

Relationships take the shape of people. Imperfect and flawed. With a little work and slight tweaks here and there, you might just be able to make it better.