Relationship goals is a social media trend we often strive to achieve. Sometimes misunderstood to be about creating the picture-perfect relationship goals for Instagram, it’s really about creating your own goals based on what is important for you and your partner. Finding the ideal partner is crucial to achieving a healthy relationship.
With the increasing popularity of dating sites, finding love has never been easier. However, maintaining a relationship isn’t always easy thus many fail after the “honeymoon phase” of the relationship ends. In this article we break down some of the key pointers that show you are in a healthy, fulfilling relationship;
Communication
We cannot overemphasise the importance of effective communication in any relationship. Talk to each other. Talk about silly things, about serious topics, about anything and everything under the sun.
In a previous blog post we discussed why effective is key for a happy relationship. Remember, when communication starts to fade, everything else follows.
Vulnerability
Expression of feelings is allowed, embraced and encouraged and it lays the foundations for a deep connection between each other. As a partner, you should strive to be open, honest and vulnerable. By being non-judgemental and present with your partner, you create a safe environment where you can trust and share openly without being afraid.
Avoid bottling up your feelings. If you can trust your partner enough to share your feelings, you’re more likely to find yourself in a safe relationship that lasts. Vulnerability can help you bond more with your partner and strengthen your relationship.
Honesty
Underlying every great relationship is a couple’s parallel commitment to be as honest and open with each other. There should be nothing you cannot discuss with each other. By having honest, open and deep conversations about your relationship, you will be able to strengthen your bonds of love and grow more in love.
Few things harm a relationship more than lies. Therefore, be with someone you can be 100% honest with and someone who will be 100% honest with you. True freedom in a relationship comes from the power of honesty.
Respect
This one should go without saying, but every healthy relationship should be built upon mutual respect. Both parties should recognise each other as equals and should always be open to their partner’s thoughts, beliefs, concerns, and needs. There is respect.
Consequently, there should be no intimidation, no violence, no manipulation and no games. Always remember the three R’s of new relationships: respect one another, revel in the wonder, and reach out with kindness every chance you get.
Embrace Your Individuality
There needs to be space for each person to embrace their individuality. Each partner needs to feel freedom in the relationship and space for personal growth. The relationship brings out the best qualities of a person and adds to each partners quality of life. It pushes individuals to grow into more of their truest authentic self.
Use relationships to teach you how to be whole within. Relationships aren’t about having another person complete you, but coming to the relationship whole and sharing your life interdependently. By letting go of the romantic ideal of merging and becoming “one,” you learn to love the distances in relationship as much as the togetherness.
Romance
Once the chase is over and we’ve gotten the prize, we often just forget about our partner’s feelings and needs. In lasting relationships, both partners value each other and take care with their words, actions, and behaviours. If you want to be with that person each day, make them feel that way. Showing each other affection and telling each other what they mean to you is important long into the relationship.
Both individuals feel loved, wanted, accepted, needed, valued, trusted and understood. There is a reciprocity of effort, in both what each person gives and receives. If the feelings are mutual, the effort will be equal. The wrong person makes you beg for attention, affection, love and commitment. The right person give you these things because they love you.
Trust
Trust is essential to healthy relationships. Without trust, you live a life of worry and hurt. Do you want to spend your days with the gut-twisting worry that comes with a shady partner? It’s no way to live.
Trust can be a goal. It can be something you work on and get better at over time. It is built through a series of actions that show another person one can be trusted. So, sometimes a lack of trust (especially in the beginning) doesn’t mean you have to end things. But you have to get there at some point — regardless of how much you love them.
In conclusion, great relationships don’t happen because of the love you had in the beginning, but how well you continue to build that love. Relationships can include fights, jealousy, arguments, tears and disagreements at times. But when two imperfect people refuse to give up on each other it flourishes.
Customize your relationships to whatever works for you and your partner. Nobody else matters. Find your special someone and be happy.