Has it been a long time since your last relationship? Did it
end badly? Maybe you’re just excited to be back in the dating game?
If you’ve recently entered a new relationship, don’t be
afraid to set some ground rules. Every relationship has them, whether they’re
explicitly discussed or not. It is important that both you and your partner know what you are getting into and avoid assuming things you
may think are standard rules of thumb.
Before you let the
anticipation of a new
relationship build up, take a step back and think about how you can make it better
and more resilient than your last.
1. Decide what your deal breakers are.
You’re not with your last partner for a reason. What was it? Determine what you
will tolerate, what you won’t, and likewise for your
partner. Use this discussion to define how exclusive your
relationship is and identify what didn’t work in the past for both you and your ex.
Set clear limits about what you won’t stand for and understand the same for your significant other.
2. Be active in your
relationship.
Even if you are established in a relationship, there is no excuse to stop trying.
Both you and your
significant other should still feel as eager about your
relationship on the
hundredth day as you did on the first day. Don’t treat your
relationship like a chore; it will always need work, even on the best days.
Communicate what you want (because even the best boyfriend or girlfriend can’t read your mind), and listen to what they want. Active
and open communication is
key, and without it, problems are more likely to arise. Find
a way to incorporate both of your lifestyles into one and have fun with your time together.
3. Allow yourself to be loved.
Be open to new things and don’t keep your mind closed off from acknowledging that
you really are as great as your partner thinks!
Accept risks and
consequences because all relationships come with the ups and the downs. They are
learning experiences, and if you don’t grow from them, you won’t be able to move
forward in your current relationship. Love yourself, let yourself be loved by your significant other, and you will find it easier to love them in return.
It is important to lay down some boundaries in any
relationship to protect your individual identity from being manipulated by the
idea of being part of a
couple. Having a solid
groundwork to begin on will make expressing your
thoughts and emotions easier in the future.
If you are upfront with your partner from the start, it will
be easier for you both to take responsibility for your actions and resolve conflicts.
It’s okay to set limits and expectations about roles in the relationship. Start on the same page so you can be on the same track throughout
your commitment to each other and have a healthier, happier experience with
dating.
Source: lavalife.com[hupso]
