Relationships are complex, with challenges and rewards that come with being part of a committed, long-term partnership. They are not just about sex and physical intimacy, but also how you treat each other as friends and as equals, how you solve problems and how you communicate. In a good relationship, you learn to love yourself more in the presence of your significant other, and they become an important part of your life. In a healthy and happy relationship, there is balance between giving and taking, and both people feel satisfied with their contribution to the relationship.
Most people begin relationships to get a sense of belonging and security. They may meet someone they like and find out they have many things in common. The couple may fall in love and decide to make a commitment to each other, called marriage. Alternatively, they may choose to live together without formalizing the relationship.
Regardless of the kind of relationship, the majority of problems that arise in relationships stem from poor communication. In fact, the best way to improve your relationship is to work on improving your communication skills. The more you talk and listen to your partner, the better at communicating you will become. You can practice by spending time with your friend and talking about the things you both enjoy, as well as by practicing conflict resolution.
Another problem that often arises in relationships is imbalance. One partner takes on the role of “active” or dominant, while the other assumes a more passive or submissive role. This can be caused by personality traits, such as the active partner being guided by their desire to please others or being over-responsible and conflict-averse. It can also be a result of undetected or unrecognized issues, such as mental health or physical problems that force the active partner to take on a caretaker role.
A final issue is incompatibility. If you are not compatible, the relationship is likely doomed to failure from the start. You must be on the same page about what your goals and priorities are, how you spend your free time, and what makes you happy and sad. This can be difficult if the two of you have very different interests or have very different views about how the world works. It is important to be honest with yourself about whether you are a good fit for your significant other.
Ultimately, the most important thing to remember is that your relationship should make you happy. You should wake up every day wanting to be a better person for your partner. You should be able to count on your partner to help you through tough times and celebrate your successes. They should be your best friend, confidante, and lover all rolled into one. They should be there to make you laugh, support you through your struggles, and to dance with you at awkward family functions. It is a great feeling to know you have a life partner and that they love you unconditionally.
