10 Helpful tips for a Smooth Relationship

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1. Mind your manners – “Please,” “thank you” and “you’re welcome,” can go a long way in helping your partner remember that you respect and love him/her and don’t take him/her for granted.

2. Trust & Honesty – Different people have different areas of concern, but almost everyone values trust and honesty from their partner above all. Why? Because your partner is the one person you want to be able to depend on. It’s always best to be truthful, especially if you want to be able to trust your partner as well.

3. Variety is the spice of life – Studies have shown that dullness can lead to dissatisfaction with a relationship. Trying something new can be as simple as visiting an unfamiliar restaurant or as grand as a backpacking trip through Sri Lanka. Discoveries you make together will keep you feeling close.

4. Fight right – In order to have productive arguments, keep these rules in mind. Don’t call your spouse names. When things get really tough, take a break from the argument. Let the other person finish his/her sentences. Don’t initiate a discussion when you’re angry.

5. Compromise – No one likes demands (unless you’re into role play), but everyone can appreciate a compromise. If you want your lover to do something and you’re not sure he/she will be agreeable, the quickest way to avoid a confrontation is to sweeten the deal. For example: “Sure, I’ll watch Monday Night Football if you take me to see the next movie of my choice.”

6. Distance makes the heart grow fonder – Maintain your own friendships and occasionally have a night out without your significant other. Doing things without your s.o. not only makes you miss him or her, it also keeps you sane. And, in case the relationship doesn’t work out, you’ll still have your friends.

7. Communicate! – Talking out the tough subjects—money, religion, fidelity, raising kids—will not be the most fun you’ve had, but it’ll be valuable.

8. Laughter is the best medicine – Learn to laugh at yourself and at silly mistakes. If he throws your $300 cashmere sweater in the dryer, laughing it off is, in the long run, better than getting angry. It’s is just a $300 cashmere sweater, not the end of the world.

9. Keep your eyes on the prize – Yes, he forgot your co-worker’s name for the tenth time, but it probably doesn’t mean he doesn’t care about you. If you keep your perspective fixed on the goal—to be in a happy, functioning partnership—you’re less likely to get tangled up in every minor annoyance. Remember, you both want the same thing.

10. When the going gets tough, the tough get going… to therapy – Studies show that couples who seek counseling during rocky periods are more successful in resolving their issues than those who don’t. Whether its from a religious figure, counselor or mental health professional, getting an expert to help sort out strife is as wise as forgoing self-installation and hiring a plumber to put in a new sink.

(Compiled of a couple different articles I have read and wanted to share because I feel many can take something from this. I did not write this article.)