Have you ever watched one of those enchanting romantic comedies and found yourself dreaming of a “movie-like” relationship? I sense that many of us are silently captivated by this desire. After witnessing perfect love stories, we tend to develop an irresistible urge to experience a relationship and love as if we were living vicariously through the last two hours of cinematic romance.
However, the problem is that the effortless and everlasting happiness depicted in movies is far from a realistic expectation in the real world. The desire for constant happiness in real life tends to dissipate even before we realize that it’s an unrealistic pursuit.
Whether you aspire to be a power couple chasing world domination dreams or just a duo trying to figure out how to progress together – deep and meaningful relationships require constant effort and hard work to provide the emotional fulfillment you seek.
Here are four critical steps you must take to develop a good relationship:
Put in Effort
The effort you put into creating your ideal relationship is the cornerstone of success. Although it might seem like a simple principle, making a continuous extra effort every day can be challenging. You may have heard the saying “relationships work 50/50,” but in reality, relationships require 100/100 dedication. Both partners must contribute 100% love, commitment, and effort to build a healthy partnership. Even if it’s not your turn to take out the trash, do it anyway to show that extra effort. Cooking or cleaning might not be your designated role, but taking on these tasks occasionally can lighten your partner’s load. This act of going beyond expectations creates a positive energy flow between you.
Communicate Openly
Building a lasting relationship is one of the most vital steps. “Communication is key” is a phrase often repeated, but what does this mean in the context of a healthy relationship? Effective communication allows you to understand how your partner feels within the relationship. It means setting aside time regularly to ‘check in‘ with each other. You and your partner should share three positive things from the past week and then identify three areas to work on in the coming week. This process requires setting aside pride and learning how to accept constructive criticism. If your partner points out an area for improvement, view it not as a personal attack but as an opportunity for growth.
Be Present in the Moment
Being present is often a challenge in today’s relationships. While a significant portion of our lives is spent online, consciously deciding to “log off” and live in the present moment can address one of the key disconnects in relationships.
Do not get me wrong, enjoying technology is perfectly normal. For example, my partner and I love lying in bed and watching funny videos on Facebook together.
However, recognizing that everything has its time and place is crucial. If your partner is trying to share their day with you during a lovely dinner and you’re scrolling through Facebook, that’s not the time to be elsewhere mentally. Log off, set your phone aside, and give your partner your full attention. Live in the moment together and savor the time you share.
Make Time
Every relationship you desire requires dedicated time. I firmly believe in the idea that ‘what you focus on becomes your reality.’ If you’re not ready to invest time and energy into nurturing your relationship, expecting a loving, true, strong, and enduring partnership is unrealistic.
Work and other commitments can consume a lot of your time, but if you don’t consciously make time to be together, your relationship will likely weaken over time. You either grow together or grow apart.
Try setting aside one night a week for a date night. This should be a dedicated time to enjoy quality moments with your partner, savoring each other’s company for at least two hours.
Creating the relationship you’ve always dreamed of takes effort. A relationship is not something you can neglect.
If you want a lasting relationship, you must be willing to work on it daily. If you put in the effort, communicate openly, stay present, and allocate sufficient time, you will be on the path to achieving the relationship you’ve always wanted.
Thank you for reading my article! What is holding you back from achieving the relationship you desire in your life? Please share your comments below, and I am eager to respond and help!