Here are few points for developing a strong and healthy relationship with your partner.
Communicate with each other. A couple should take time to talk and exchange information, ideas and day-to-day experiences. If as a couple you hardly have time to communicate with each other, do schedule a regular time, which is acceptable to both of you. It could be just before sleeping at dinnertime or as you have your morning tea. You can start off sharing one good thing and one difficult thing about the day. This gives a chance for both to talk and is key to a lasting relationship.
Active listening. Listening forms the core of communication. Too often when we are quiet we are not listening but waiting to reply. Listening involves intently trying to understand what the other is saying. It implies that you comprehend what the other is saying instead of looking for weakness in your mate's argument. Active listening promotes clarity and understanding between the two.
Schedule outings together. Sometimes although we have every intention of spending time with our spouse, we find ourselves driven by a schedule that has us running in every direction, leaving us little time for our most important relationship. Plan your work and responsibilities so that you both have time to go for movies, plays, dinner, an ice-cream or just for a drive.
Show your love and affection. Try to find out what ways your partner likes receiving love from you - it could be undivided attention, time, gifts, cards, personal touch or could be simply verbalizing your emotions. Make a conscious effort to begin showing your love to your spouse.
Consider your partners' interests more important than your own. When each person has decided to give of himself or herself to the other, you form a reciprocating relationship of love, concern, and devotion. When you come to a place where you disagree or where the two of you have differing opinions, try to get to the point where you can consider what your mate likes as more important than what you would like to do. The simple decision to do this goes a long way toward developing a healthy relationship!
Forgive. In some relationships, each partner holds something against the other and both are unwilling to forgive. The fact is that your mate is going to fail you from time to time. We need to understand that. What we do when we get to that point however, is what will make all the difference in the world. In a relationship that is going to last, the people involved are committed to forgiving one another. Those whose relationships last longest, and will be the healthiest, are those who are committed to forgiveness.
