10 Things You Should Know About Relationships

As we all know, relationships are hard work. They aren’t always pretty, and they certainly don’t always work out the way you might hope. Still, if you want to have a fulfilling romantic relationship with someone else, it’s worth taking the time to learn some of the lessons that previous generations didn’t seem to understand until after they were in their 50s and 60s. Here are 10 things you should know about relationships

1) Love Isn't Enough

Love is not enough to sustain a relationship. It takes patience, understanding, and work to maintain a healthy partnership. In order for love to flourish, it needs to be nurtured with positive attention and affection. Make sure you're doing your part by showing your partner how much they mean to you!

2) There's No Such Thing as Soulmates

We all want to find that one person that we can be completely ourselves with. The person that makes us feel whole and loved unconditionally. That's because we are all looking for the perfect partner to spend the rest of our lives with. But, in reality, there is no such thing as soulmates. We're not each other's fated match. There is nobody out there who will complete you in a way no one else can. Instead, we should strive for companionship and compatibility with someone who has similar interests and lifestyle values as us.

3) Relationships Take Work

Relationships take work. They require a lot of patience and understanding, but if you're willing to put in the time and effort, they can be worth it. Don't expect your partner to read your mind or know what you want from them; talk about it. Spend time with one another! Make sure that you have fun together and give each other space to do the things that make them happy. Forgive your partner for their mistakes--mistakes are just opportunities for growth, after all. And don't forget to tell them how much you love them every day because love is a verb not just an adjective.

4) Jealousy Is Normal

Being jealous is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it's normal for jealousy to come up during a relationship. It can be a sign that you care about your partner and want to know where they are and what they're doing. However, being too jealous can be a red flag that there are other problems going on in the relationship or with your mental health.

5) Communication Is Key

Communication is key. When you're in a relationship, it's important to communicate openly and honestly with your partner about what you need from them and how they can improve. It also helps to get feedback on what they need from you too. It's not always easy to talk about these things, but it will make for a healthier relationship!

6) Conflict Is Inevitable

Conflict is inevitable, but how we handle it can make a huge difference in the health and longevity of our relationships. It's important to try to understand where your partner is coming from and what their intentions are before you react.

7) Change Is Constant

Change is a constant in life, and relationships are no exception. Accepting that change is necessary for growth can help you find your way through the inevitable ups and downs of love. If you don't like what's happening now, be open to what may happen next.

8) Relationships Are Fluid

Relationships are very different from one person to the next. Each person is unique and the dynamics of any given relationship will be influenced by a variety of factors. What may work for one couple may not for another, but there are some things that should be true in all relationships: communication, respect, support, love and understanding.

9) Intimacy Takes Time

It can take time for two people to establish an intimate relationship. There is no set amount of time that it should take, but it's important to remember that both parties are different. Some might be more emotionally expressive than others, and some might be more shy and reserved. As long as you're both happy with the way things are going, don't put pressure on yourself or your partner to move faster than you want or need to.

10) You Deserve Happiness

You deserve a partner that you want to be with. If you're in a relationship where you are constantly feeling like you should be happy, then this is not the relationship for you. Happiness comes from within and if your partner isn't making you happy, then it's time to move on.