Nurturing your relationships

Unlike some of our favourite romantic comedies in which all is resolved after one or two conflicts, maintaining thriving relationships takes some effort. But it doesn’t have to be difficult. 

With the daily grind of responsibilities and busy schedules, it’s understandable why we often unknowingly put our issues with our partner to the bottom of the list. 

Just keeping up with all of our life's responsibilities—work, kids, family, friends, our home can be taxing and many of us are plain tired. Especially during difficult times, it’s easier to avoid facing the fact your relationship may be falling apart.

While there are many common suggestions, we have all heard, let’s point towards some unexpected ways to bond and enhance your relationship.

·        Find your “Me Time”

 It sounds absurd as a way to improve your relationship, but take a break from your partner. Everyone needs their own space and quality time outside a relationship. While individuals flourish, the relationship itself benefits. In fact, it’s a key to successful marriages.

·        Break the monotony

You could try to shake things up—try something new with your routine with unpredictable date nights and moments of fun. If adventurous dates like rock climbing or learning a new language are out of the question, maybe you can find other ways to bring excitement to your relationship like cooking a new dish together or a drive to a location you have been delaying for the past few weeks. 

·        Understand your partner’s love language

Honor your partner’s love language. For example: you’d be even happier if your partner cleaned up after you finish up cooking or spent more time away from their social media because you value acts of kindness (especially those that are unplanned) and quality time together. In relationships, learn how you can show your partner your love in a way that your partner values like words of acknowledgement, a simple hug or may be just being around.

·        Fight Smarter

Be gentle: Speak softly and gently. Politeness goes a long way. What’s key is to speak without blame. Avoid a defensive or critical remark which can cause a conflict to escalate.

A repair attempt is a statement or action meant to diffuse an argument. This could be using humour, touching the other person, or simply choosing to talk later when you both are calmer.

·        Choose to forgive

A “sorry” may not be as easy as it sounds because it is not just a few warm words in fact it takes a deep thought into what is it that could make your partner feel understood and also a genuine commitment to make things better for future.

It’s important to work on the ruptures of your relationship and repair it in time than to ignore those moments as imperfections and unimportant in fact honest efforts go a long way to strengthen your relationship.