What defines a healthy relationship? I'm sure the definitions will vary as do the rules/guides that accompany the partnership. I can only speak from my first person experience. And in my last relationship, I was very dependent on the other person to "make me happy" and that meant I expected them to do some: mind reading, carry the financial weight of the relationship, and love me unconditionally without getting it in return. That relationship failed.Now, being in a relationship for 3.9 years I feel like I've not only grown as a partner but I can honestly say I feel like I'm an awesome fiancé. And here are some of my learnings.
Do:
Take care of your teeth
Have sexy time!
Exercise both your mind & your body
Spend time alone
Pay for things on a equal basis, not equally (when the money-making ratio is even, then you can do a 50/50 split -- if it's not, make adjustments)
Figure out what chores you're best at and are willing to do & do them -- have them do the same (this is not a 50/50 split either)
Take care of another when you're sick
Remind each other of important dates, appointments, gatherings (don't sit there waiting for them to mess it up--remind them)
Spend time together (it should still be fun to meet up and just "be together")
Make them laugh
Hand them a tissue if you do make them cry -- then work it out
Encourage them
Learn to compromise
Brag about them in front of others -- and mean it!
Give them space
Remind yourself of the relationship rules you two have established -- and keep to them
Make them laugh some more
Don't:
Remind them of their bad qualities over and over again -- I'm sure they're already kicking themselves over it on a daily basis
Make them feel guilty over mistakes they've made -- let it go
Say "I told you so." That's a phrase that doesn't take love to the next level
Wait until things are bad to "have a talk" -- you should always be talking
Put them last on your priority list
Forget being in a relationship is only a percentage of wat makes you YOU -- it's not your entire IDENTITY!
Brag about your relationship on social media
Forget to have sexy time!
Talk behind their back
Let them guilt you into anything
Forget your friends -- but if they are anti-relationship, be wary!
Lose yourself in the process
I'm sure these are ever-changing, but these are a good start. And I'm positive I have left several things off -- feel free to include them in the comments below.
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