By Ayesha Hossain

Every couple steps into a relationship with a promise to be together forever but within a few years (or few months even), differences start to arise and everything about the relationship doesn’t look or feel right anymore. But, having a good and long lasting relationship isn’t rocket science. So, we have to focus on the “cause” of the issues that we have been encountering in our relationship and through that we will be able to keep that “love” flame alive. Let’s take a look at the tips that have been provided by our expert in the group therapy session.

1. Be honest with each other

   You have to be your true-self around your partner. Never try to hide who you are, how you feel and what you think. You’ve to be totally open with your partner, both for the little things and for the big things. 

2. Establishing a beautiful friendship with your partner

   Friendship is considered to be the foundation of a healthy relationship. The emotional connect and bond that couples share is said to be five times more important than any other factor in a relationship which has been shown in a research study. Starting from spending quality time together like watching a movie, hanging out with each other, communicating with each other, understanding each other, trusting each other, respecting, valuing and appreciating one another is simply beautiful. You also have to continue to grow in friendship and don’t let that friendship ever die.

3. Focus on the growth of your relationship

   You should pay more attention to “where you are” in regards to your relationship. You should be clear on what you want. Ask yourself if you have the desire to make your relationship work.You need to know what kind of relationship you want to have as a couple. Talk to each other about the values, experience and goals you want to create together as a couple. It’s a two-way street.Growth is all about the habits and rituals you create.You have to nurture your relationship every single day because there are no tools to fix it. Also, try to make the best use of every opportunity you get to spark up your relationship with your partner.

4. Maintain a positive mindset 

   Always try to be emotionally intelligent in a relationship. Avoid the unnecessary criticism and be more thoughtful and respectful.Be intentional about changing your mindset for yourself and your partner. Maintaining positivity can take work and creativity, but is such an important part of happy and healthy relationships. Making the effort to be positive will help the longevity of the relationship and will increase your overall happiness while you are in the relationship. Let’s give each other some grace by implementing PSO (positive sentiment override). For instance, don’t take negative interactions as negative all the time. It could be that your partner is not feeling alright or is under some stress. Communicate with each other, support each other and increase your fondness and admiration.

5. Implement your own repair technique

   Couples who share a strong friendship are able to quickly and effectively repair damage in their relationships. This means that you have to recognize that you or the other person is hurt, angry, or unhappy with something, and you need to be able to address it in a way that fixes things in a timely manner.

Let’s just try being loving and supportive, and that should help you to keep your foundation strong and build your vision for the future. Know that there will be several challenges waiting somewhere in the distance but that you can be well-equipped to deal with them when they come. In the meantime, cherish the journey.