Tips to Strengthen Your Relationship this Valentine’s Day

Amy Taylor February 12, 2015

To have a healthy relationship, it involves hard work from both sides. When only one person is making an effort, the relationship is compromised. Love is replaced with hate and resentment, and the bond which took years to build end up broken.

Whilst love and respect are at the core of any relationship, there are many other things we should give importance too as well. This coming Heart’s Day, couples are once again challenged to take time to assess their relationship, and figure out if they are doing what is necessary to strengthen their bond.

Appreciate one another.

No matter how long you have been together, appreciation should not subside. Healthy couples make it a daily habit. Showing appreciation, even for the simplest things your partner does, like preparing you a cup of coffee or making errands for you, is one way to strengthen and keep your relationship healthy.

Tough days are easier to bear when you’re together.

Even the strongest couples are hit by the storm. The most important thing is that you stand by it together. Amidst difficulties, finding solace just by having each other around is a sign that your relationship is healthy and thriving.

Happiness is a shared experience.

Do you feel happy when your partner is happy? Do you celebrate his/her personal success? A healthy relationship is one wherein the couple get to pursue their individual goals in life, and their partners become happy for them. Being in a healthy relationship is when your partner’s happiness become your happiness, and vice versa.

Acceptance is crucial.

Being able to feel that you are accepted for who you are is at the core of every romantic relationship. To love is to be vulnerable. As humans, we are in a continual search for acceptance – at home, in school, in the workplace, and everywhere we go. We all want to be accepted despite our flaws and imperfections. We want to be with people who will not force us to be someone who we are not. When there is love, there is acceptance.

Lovers are best friends.

Best friends may not become lovers, it is impossible for lovers not to become best friends. You know you are in a healthy relationship when you can rely on your partner during the difficult times. You both are there for each other, cheering the other when he/she’s down. You know you can always rely on that person no matter what.

Communication is the key.

Misunderstandings and conflicts are often a result of miscommunication. Being able to express what you feel is important to strengthening your relationship. Communicating is important as it lets the two of you know that you’re in the same page.

Quality time does not depend on where you are or what you do.

Even if you two are just at home watching TV, you can have quality time together. You need not be in fancy restaurants or luxurious vacations to deeply connect and strengthen your bond. Healthy couples understand that it’s not what they do, but who they are with, is the most important thing.

Do you observe these behaviours in your relationship? If yes, you’re really headed to success. Otherwise, you and your partner need to do something about it.