Life & Love | 5 Things I’ve Learned About Maintaining Long and Prosperous Relationships
Brandon and I have been dating for about 3 years now which may seem like a long time to some but it’s honestly flown by! I don’t really have past history prior to my current relationship since Brandon is my first real-life boyfriend and I’m his first real-life girlfriend. *insert aws* I’ve obviously gone on dates and have talked with other guys before but nothing where I could truly see a future with that person and same for him.
These past 3 years have been amazing but we have had some challenges along the way. I’ve learned so much about overcoming obstacles and since it’s Valentine’s day it’s the perfect time to share them with you guys. I will say that B and I never really get into legitimate arguments, sometimes we bicker (and especially when one of us is hangry lol!) but that’s it.
- 1. No relationship is perfect and you have to work at it every day. Issues come up, that’s normal. It’s how you react as a couple that really defines the strength of that relationship. Not even that – you have to overcome them as a team. Truly you and your partner should be in it together through the good, bad, and the ugly.
- 2. You have to accept the other person for who they are. They say opposites attract and in my relationship that is so true. Brandon is an athletic, analytical, more traditional and literal person meanwhile I’m more of a creative, conceptual, and intuitive person. It really works for us but sometimes our working styles or communication styles sometimes conflict and you just have to realize that’s who you are and that’s who they are and appreciate it.
- 3. Communicate regularly and especially your expectations – this is something I personally struggle with. If you want your partner to do something for you or you want to go somewhere, just tell them and don’t expect them just to know. I know we all want the element of surprise but when you have these expectations and they don’t get fulfilled, it kinda sucks. So if you just communicate them, you’ll be happy and they’ll be happy.
- 4. Don’t let “Instagram” relationships ruin your real relationship. All over my timeline, I see posts of the “perfect relationship” but people usually forget to realize that a picture isn’t what defines a relationship. Every couple has issues arise and when all you see are perfect, all the time romantic relationships it can cause you to compare to something that isn’t even real.
- 5. Truly enjoy the little moments. One of my favorite moments to this day was on a trip to Helen, GA with one of his sisters. He woke up early in the morning, left, walked to a donut shop (bc I love donuts, I mean who doesn’t?) and brought some back for me as a surprise. It’s small moments like those that just make your heart smile.
Some of these may seem like common sense but I think these tips are so important. Let me know in the comments below if you’d like to see more posts like this!
