12 RECIPES FOR A HAPPY RELATIONSHIP

1.      Be loyal and devoted. True love and real relationship aren’t about being inseparable. Love is about two people being true to each other even when they are separated. When it comes to relationships, remaining faithful is never an option, but a priority. Loyalty is everything. 2.      An emphasis on communication and listening. No one is a mind reader so your partner won’t be able to figure out how you’re feeling. Be specific and clear with yourself on what you want and make an effort to discover what your partners needs are. 3.      Lend support during the good times and bad. Be there through the good, bad happy and sad times too. Trust that you can count on each other, and be available not only when it’s convenient, but when it’s needed most 4.      Understand: every relationship is different. Don’t compare your relationship to anyone else’s especially that random couple whose relationship seems perfect. Every couple makes their own loves rules, love agreements, and love habits. Just focus on you two, and make your relationship the best it can be… 5.      Appreciate and help each other grow. Having an open appreciation for your significant other leads to a productive, fulfilling and peaceful union. Cheer for victories. Celebrate their accomplishment, and encourage their goals and ambition. Challenge them to be the best they can be. 6.      Settle disputes peacefully. When you feel anger, avoid saying or yelling words you can’t take back, instead have a planned agreement that you each will back away. 7.      Work on thoughtfulness every day. People who are in successful relationships nourish their partnerships regularly. They don’t set their life on cruise control. Ask yourself, ‘’what can I do today to make my partner’s life better’’. Little bits of effort everyday will accumulate over time and make big difference. 8.      Love and respect each other as individuals. Our first and last is self- love. Don’t rely on your significant other, or anyone else, for your happiness and self-worth. Only you can be responsible for that. If you can’t love and respect yourself, no one else will be able to either. 9.      Turn negatives into positives. Problems in a relationship can be broken down into numbers. If you’re both honest with each other and within yourselves, logically look at the negatives and calmly list them. Work together as a team to tackle each negative, one by one. 10.  Spend quality time together. Make time for each other. With busy schedules we often forget to relax and enjoy others. Two people can be right to each other, yet miles apart. Ignoring someone often hurts more than angry words... Carve out special time for just two of you once a week. 11.  Live with integrity. Trust in each other and know you haven’t been used or taken advantage of it, it creates inner peace and security. Lies fester, but the truth heal or prevent trouble. Live daily with fairness, integrity and reliability 12.  Realistic expectations. Real relationship rent what you see in the movies. They happen because each person values the other and are willing to make investment of time into the partnership. They understand, not all days are passionate and romantic. Rough spots will require good communication.