Relationships are funny things and come in various types—you have your abusive ones, your ones with one person completely dependent on the other, you have your ones that are argument free, etc. etc. Senior year of college, it seems as though everyone is rushing to get into a relationship or get engaged. At times, all this rushing doesn’t seem to end well and I’ve noticed quite a few couples who stick together for all the wrong reasons and don’t seem to care that things aren’t that great. There are the couples who walk around campus hand in hand, smiling from ear to ear at one another and completely lost in one another. There are the couples who are great when they’re alone but act differently towards their partner when they’re around their friends. All in all, to each his own, right?
One major thing that I have noticed is that different people will tell you different things about what constitutes as a great relationship and I’ve also discovered that if you’re going to take relationship advice from your single friends, be careful with whose advice you actually listen to. Through my various relationships, I have figured out what works for me and what doesn’t. My current bf and I have been together for a little over 2 years now and although I came in knowing what I would and wouldn’t put up with, how I want to be treated, etc etc, I’m still learning a lot about my relationship and relationships in general.
Through my own personal experience and from observing and talking to couples who have been together for 13+years, I’ve realized the key to successful relationships: 1). Trust- pretty obvious right? But you’d be surprised with how many people say they trust their bf/gf but then go through their text, fb, skype, twitter messages, etc etc. 2). Honesty- if you can’t be honest with your partner than ahhh you don’t need to be in a relationship. 3). Respect- being in a relationship and treating your partner like crap will come back to you 3 times worse! 4). Healthy arguments- if you can argue with your partner, be civilized about it, and come to a consensus, you’ll be good! The worst thing you can do is not argue because that means someone in the relationship is hiding feelings, is unhappy, and you’re bound to get cheated on. 5).Compliment one another- when couples first start dating, they compliment one another here and there but after they’re officially in a relationship, that stops. Remember that everyone loves a compliment so send her a text while she’s at work saying you love how she will sit and watch a game with you even though she’s not into sports… call him at work and tell him how much you appreciate him supporting you know matter what. 6). Surprise him/her with gifts- even if it’s a coupon allowing him/her to have a “pick whatever you want to do and I’ll do it with you” day, or a drawing you make for him/her. 7). Don’t forget to say “I love you”- just because you’re in a long term and committed relationship, don’t stop saying it… don’t just assume that you don’t need to say it because your partner already knows how you feel. 8). Don’t play the blame game- it never ends well for anyone. 9). Listen to one another- don’t dismiss what your partner has to say because the reality is that if you keep doing it, you’ll find yourself in a relationship where your partner doesn’t want to share anything with you anymore. 10). Enjoy the little moments- life’s too short to stress out so much. Have fun, love one another, and just be adventurous!
If all else fails, you can always start a cyber relationship and never meet the person, or just date a doll! :)
