Secrets to a Successful Relationship - Part 1: Communication
I’m not about to shatter anyone’s world here with brand new information, but there are some definite "secrets" to a successful relationship. The first one should come as no surprise to you, but it is quite simply….
COMMUNICATION!!
That’s right, effective communication is the biggest and most important secret to any successful relationship. And I’m not just talking about dating or marriage, but ANY RELATIONSHIP! An open line of communication between all parties in a relationship is key to its success and logevity.
You may be asking what effective communication is. I’m not just talking about mindless banter about how your day was (although a bit of that is important). I’m talking about about open communication about the things that are on your mind, even the things that have no direct bearing on the relationship itself. You and your partner should set aside time to just talk, about anything, everything, nothing, whatever feelings you’re having at that time. Partners should also talk freely to each other about major AND minor decisions, such as where to live, what types of jobs they will have, what activities the kids (if any) will be involved, how the kids are being raised, etc.
Is there something that’s been bothering you about your partner? Do NOT let it linger, simmer, and stew inside you. Talk to your partner about it, and don’t wait until it has gnawed at you so long that when you finally get the nerve up to talk about it, you are so angry that a fight starts immediately.
Likewise, if you think of a complimentary thing to say about your mate, don’t wait until a special time to say it. If he/she looks particularly nice that day, tell them, NOW. If you find yourself daydreaming about their eyes (or even other features), TELL THEM.
Effective and open communication needs to be present in all aspects of a relationship. Otherwise, it is only a matter of time before one or the other (or both) parties in the relationship let something build up inside them, and misunderstandings almost always lead to some sort of unpleasantness, perhaps even the dissolution of the relationship.
So, whatever it is that’s on your mind, talk to your partner. Even things that are unpleasant can be made less so (most of the time) by talking about it, rather than letting it linger.
Check back on Monday for the next "Big Secret" to a successful relationship.
About the Author: Will Irvin is the Webmaster, Editor, and chief contributor to Premier Dating Online, a valuable resource for Online Dating Tips, Relationship Advice, and Dating Service Reviews. Having been an active member of the online community for almost fifteen years, and more recently an active member of the online dating community, Will brings an authentic, common-man’s perspective to the world of relationships, both online and off.
Relationships are important to our mental, physical, and emotionalwell-being. In order for a relationship to be considered "successful"it must stand on a solid foundation. This foundation will allow it tosurvive even the most complicated of all situations that may arise. Inthis relationship guide, I will share with you some of the secretsbehind successful relationships. If you want to ensure that you andyour partner are able to sustain the relationship that you are intogether, these unique ingredients will result in a successful formula.
One of the first things that you can do when it comes to keeping arelationship fresh and successful is to be certain that you are open tothe feelings and opinions of your partner. In turn, your partner shouldalso be receptive to you. Sharing our feelings, as well as the thingsthat we hold value in is very important. When there is no one elsethere to share these intimate instances with, your partner should be.Being able to communicate effectively is the main ingredient to eachand every single successful relationship. If this area of the bond thatyou share is affected, you will quickly experience other areas in therelationship that are rough.
It is important to understand that every relationship will experience acrossroads in which there is a difference in feelings, expectations,and opinions. It is not a difference that makes a relationship rocky,it is the inability to recognize and appreciate these differences. Thesecret to overcoming this is to find a mutual agreement between theboth of you. If you are able to do this, you will quickly find thatthings run smoothly, with little cause for concern. Compromise is anessential when it comes to the secrets behind successful relationships.Knowing and implementing compromise in your relationship can go a longway!
The next ingredient that helps formulate a successful relationship isbeing able to listen appropriately to your partner. Not only willlistening truly allow you to hear what is being said when it comes toyour relationship, but it will also allow your partner to becomfortable when it comes to expressing themselves. When your partnerspeaks, it is important that you allow them to do so. Interrupting themand causing them to become defensive about their unique stand on thingscan cause a lot of problems. Just instill some basic consideration whenit comes to the lines of communication in the relationship, and youwill quickly emerge successful and happy.
Remaining positive in the relationship can mean the difference betweensuccess and failure. You should always strive to see things in apositive light - including your partner. No one likes a pessimist, or"realist" and many pessimists enjoy calling themselves. Those that arepositive and take a unique stand on even the most challengingcircumstances are generally easy to approach, talk to, and reside with.If you find that things are getting a bit "rocky" in yourrelationships, you should change to this frame of mind. You willquickly emerge happier, healthier, and your relationship will trulyblossom!
By following the simple steps listed here, you will soon begin todiscover that you have a successful relationship that you can becontent with. Success is often viewed as being in the "eye of thebeholder", and that is not the way it should be when it comes torelationships. Success should be in the life of the doer. If you are adoer, and want to make things succeed, then they will!
About the Author:
Kevin Sinclair is the publisher and editor of My-Personal-Growth.com, a site that provides information and articles for self improvement and personal growth and development.