SURVEY SAYS- ADVICE ON MAINTAINING A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP: PART II

You can read the complete series of answers on tips on maintaining a healthy relationship. -Often as we enter into new relationships we transfer emotions from past experiences. These angry emotions, which have remained unresolved or dismissed, can carry over to the next personal relationship. Do not expect your wife to be your mother, or your husband to be your father.experiences, personal relationship, new love If you were in a previous abusive relationship, your new partner is not to be blamed. By forgiving yourself and others you will be able to go forward in a newrelationship fresh and anew with love.Being married to me is a wonderful experience. It is finding your best friend and getting to spend every day with them. But, it can also be hard. What most people don’t realize, I know I didn’t, is that when you live with someone it is very different then just seeing someone everyday like when you are dating. The hardest thing for me to get used to was not taking his moods personally. I would always think it was something I did and I would keep asking him. Eventually over time and after several fights, you learn that it isn’t always you and that he has his own things going on and to just leave him alone. Communication is one of the most important things in a marriage. You have to talk!! He/She is not a mind reader and does not know what you want. Only in a perfect world would your spouse know what you wanted and needed at all times. This just isn’t the case. If you want something or want something done, you have to say it. No hinting around. Also respect!! You have to respect one another. Me and my husband made a pact when we got married that no matter how mad we got at each other we would refrain from calling each other some horrible names that most couples use way to often. We may argue, but it never gets ugly. The last thing I have to mention is laughter. You have to laugh. Sometimes life gets in the way…bills, family, work, children, etc. and you forget to enjoy each other. You have to take time even if it is just watching a good movie together!! You have to enjoy each other and laugh!!! I would highly recommend getting married especially to your best friend, which is what I did!!!!! -To always treat each other as though you are still dating… Which encompasses, respecting each others values, thoughts, etc. Don’t become overwhelmed because you just got married and lose your individuality… Stay being who you are. Don’t try to be someone you think the other person wants you to be. Realize that there is no such thing as the “White Picket Fence” or “Prince Charming”. But most of all respect, love and accept yourself, once you are comfortable in your own skin, you will be able to love, accept and respect your partner and each others idiosyncrasies. Instead of living trying to change each other, live life accepting each other. -Hold each other as able to hear the truth. Speak from the heart not the head. Make time for each other. Tell each other 3-5 things you most appreciate about them every night before going to sleep. Choose your battles wisely. Choose love instead of being right. -I think it is extremely important to have confidence in your partner. Without confidence each person will not be able to enjoy their work thoroughly, thrive in their work environment and spend quality time with their friends. Having your own life that you are capable of integrating your partner into at times is essential. However, without confidence this will not be possible since lack of confidence breeds jealousy, which hinders the development and maintenance of a healthy relationship.