21 Tips On How To Make a Relationship Work

Relationships take work. We all know that. But knowing how to make a relationship work and go the distance is something we’ve all wondered.

All relationships go through different stages. There are ups and downs, times where you feel unbearably in love, others when you struggle to find reasons to be together. Your journey through honeymoon periods, bad patches, and everything in between.

So why is it that some relationships seem to be able to navigate their way through the highs and lows far better than others? Why do some relationships make it through the tough times, and even emerge stronger than ever, while others crumble at the very first sign of trouble?

# Know that it’s worth it

Sometimes the healthiest thing you do for your relationship is think about whether it’s worth it. No matter how long you’ve gone out, or how much you don’t want to split up, really sit down and assess whether you are willing and ready to put all the effort in to make the relationship work.

Is this something you’re prepared to do? If it’s yes, that’s the first step in knowing how to make a relationship work. It’s all about whether the two of you are willing to make the effort for each other.

# Accept that you’ll fight

Everyone has disagreements in a relationship. It’s normal. Don’t stress too much if you and your partner fight or bicker from time to time. It’s how you handle those fights and how often you have them that you need to pay attention to.

# Communicate well

Relationships are all about good communication. If you feel something, or want to talk about something, don’t bottle it up. Talk to your partner in a calm and rational way. When they want to talk to you, make sure you listen too.

# Be understanding

We all have bad days, days where we are tired or grumpy for no particular reason. Often our partner bears the brunt of that. If it happens to you, try to be understanding, rather than defensive.

# Know yourself

Knowing what you want and what you expect from a relationship is so important when it comes to knowing how to make a relationship work. The clearer you are within yourself and the more self-assured you are, the better your relationship will be.

# Know when to step back

Sometimes you need to give each other some space. Don’t be afraid to do this. It can be very helpful to let things cool down, or even just to remember how much you value and miss the other person.

# Be independent

Do things by yourself, have separate interests and hobbies. Go out with friends. This keeps things fresh and interesting between you two, and you’ll have more respect for one another.

# Don’t be jealous

Jealousy tears relationships apart. Be confident enough in your relationship to not let this be a factor.

# Tell them you love them

Telling someone you love them often is a good way to keep your relationship on the right track. Even if you fought or feel annoyed, try to tell them you love them anyway.

# Trust

Trust is essential to any relationship. If you don’t trust your partner, you are in serious trouble. Think about why you feel jealous. Have they given you a reason not to trust them? If so, address the issue.

# Love yourself

Having self-confidence makes you so much more attractive to your partner. Make sure to make time for yourself and be confident in who you are.

# Have rules

In lots of relationships, rules are unspoken. However, if you have certain expectations, it’s okay to voice these.

# Don’t tolerate bad behavior

It can be so easy to get into bad patterns in relationships and suddenly one partner finds themselves full of resentment. They snap, when actually if the bad behavior had been called out early on, it would never have gotten to this stage.

# Have some privacy

Sometimes you need to keep things between the two of you. Some things don’t need to be discussed with the world. Make sure some things are kept private, and you’ll always feel closer together.

# Be patient

Patience is so important. Sometimes your partner won’t be on the same page as you, and that’s okay. Give them time and hopefully they will come around.

# Know that no one is perfect

Not even you! You’re both going to make mistakes, so try to be sympathetic to one another when you do.

# Be realistic

Your relationship isn’t going to be this fairytale romance. Have realistic expectations of it. Don’t compare it to others either.

# Show affection

Be affectionate towards one another. Hold hands, cuddle, make an effort in the bedroom. Being affectionate helps you feel close to one another.

# Be romantic

Go on dates, do sweet things for one another. Romance keeps the spark alive.

# Put your partner first

Your partner sometimes needs to be put above your own needs. Sometimes, you make sacrifices to help them or make them happy.

# Be loyal

Stick up for your partner. Be loyal to them.