Thats why it may catch you off guard when fear unexpectedly creeps in.
Intrusive thoughts arise:Would they love me if they really knew me?
Is this relationship too good to be true?
Verywell / Dennis Madamba
Will they leave me?
The good news is that this sort of effort doesnt have to be so difficult.
In fact, strengthening the connection can feel easy with the right tools.
Lets venture further with five things you’re free to do to make love last.
I was convinced I saw everything correctly and everyone else was in the wrong.
Yet my blind spots kept my world stunted and small.
I wasnt growing but becoming more stubborn in stagnant patterns.
I realized I couldnt control those external situations, but I could control what I do moving forward.
I needed to acknowledge that I chose anemotionally abusiveex-boyfriend because I didnt love myself enough to trust mygut instincts.
The journey made me a better person and a better partner.
When you take accountability, youre ultimately embracing objectivity.
Youre holding up your hands and admitting youre willing to try something differently.
Your partner will appreciate your expansive ability to admit your mistakes,self-reflect, and make positive changes.
When you want to improve for the better, youre protecting the sacredness and beauty of your relationship.
This courageous act cultivates trust.
Heres an example of what that looks like in action.
Lets say your partner is an avid video gamer.
Turning away from them is ignoring them and dismissing their passion as a silly hobby.
Turning against them is rolling your eyes and criticizing them for playing games at all.
Plus, it’s adorable when your partner lights up about something they’re seriously passionate about.
You may not understand video games, but you want to understandthem.
This form of responsive generosity imbues your relationship with increased vulnerability.
Fun involves being intentional about having positive experiences and adding a certain playfulness into your dynamic.
Just like its important to make time for sex, its important to make time for adventure.
So have fun with play!
The possibilities are endless.
Mix up your routines and throw in novelty wherever it’s possible for you to.
However, this relationship investment matters.
By enjoying the connection, itll make difficult moments feel less intense and bring you closer as best friends.
Let Go Of Expectations
We all have visions of what love should be.
Realistically, its about finding a growth-oriented individual who can jointly navigate the various aspects of life together.
Ive worked with numerous couples who couldnt stop fighting because of their differences.
But a partner isnt a checklisttheyre a person with their own say, too.
A partner isnt a checklisttheyre a person with their own say, too.
Reaching for this depth of openness heightens trust and compassion.
Youre showing that their evolving needs are worthy of consideration, and youre willing tocompromiseto make them happy.
That means letting go of preconceived notions of love and understanding partnership is a negotiation.
Love is one of the most magical human experiences we can have.
That’s why helping people find andmaintain their relationshipsis my lifes true calling.
The key factor that ensured lasting love was the ability to preserve ‘positive illusions’ about their partner.
This perspective allows you to see their perceived flaws with realistic positivity and compassion.
I can personally attest to this.
My boyfriend is my dream partner.
I feel incredibly lucky to be with someone who makes me feel so seen, safe, and valued.
Taking the time to shower him with appreciation makes him feel loved.
In return, he reciprocates the same energy back.
It creates an ever-expanding cycle of gratitude for each other.
Maintaining a long-term relationship requires an investment in humility, growth, consideration, and compromise.
Yet the rewards of companionship, loyalty, and unconditional love are priceless.
Panganiban K.Fondness, admiration, and intimacy.
Ury L.Want to improve your relationship?
Start paying more attention to bids.
Kurtz LE, Algoe SB.Putting laughter in context: shared laughter as behavioral indicator of relationship well-being.Pers Relatsh.
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