Relationships: The Two Way Street

Ever look over at your partner and wonder what the heck you're doing with them? Don't shake your head and roll your eyes at me, of course you have! We've all experienced those moments. They've said something that utterly humiliates you, or they've been outrageously unreasonable about an issue, so much so, that you just want to tear your hair out. Just because you've had the conversation in your head, doesn't mean you want to leave them, but there are definitely moments in a relationship that cause us to question what we're doing in them. Here's a little newsflash, it's normal! Think about how often we question characteristics, or decisions we've made with ourselves! It's only natural that we have queries about the individual that we've decided to intertwine our lives with. Before you make any rash decisions about ending or disrupting a relationship, you've got to take on the role of a project manager of sorts, you need to dissect and manage the different aspects of the relationship to determine what's worth fighting over and what's not.

Learn to establish independence and dependence on one another in the relationship. It's essential for both of you to feel like you have freedom within the relationship. It's important for each of you to have your own set of friends, your own hobbies, your own life. You both fell in love with each other for a whole host of reasons, and all of those aspects of your life all contribute to your admiration for each other. Don't lose who you are. 

Teach each other how to listen, by showing appreciation for one another when you do! Communication is the key reason why couples break up, so why not encourage each other to do more of it, and effectively. If you're going through something emotional, and your partner listens intently, and provides solace for you, why wouldn't you want to reward that. People may think that listening to one another is easy, it's not! It takes practice. 

Quality time is invaluable! Vegging out in front of the TV doesn't count. I'm talking serious time with one another. Find something you both enjoy doing. Take a class together, plan weekend hikes, get out of town and stay at a B&B. No relationship will survive without getting back to the basics. Remember why you fell in love and rekindle the fire as often as possible.