Imagine this—you meet someone and everything just clicks. Their jokes make you laugh, their eyes light up when they meet yours, and their messages become the highlight of your endless scroll through social media. You’re completely charmed! So charmed, in fact, that you’re ready to jump straight into Coupledom—sending daily good morning texts, planning to move in together, and even brainstorming future dog names. But hold on—you’ve got to pace yourself!
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, okay?
Here’s the reality check: your new partner starts pulling back. The sweet “Good Morning” texts become sporadic, and suddenly you’re staring at your phone like it’s a countdown timer.
Boom! That’s impatience wrecking a relationship with so much potential. Why? Because learning to be patient in a new relationship isn’t just good advice—it’s crucial for its survival.
# Mindfulness for relationship harmonyMindfulness isn’t just for monks or yogis—it’s for anyone who wants to fully live in the moment, especially in relationships.
When you’re with your partner, focus on the now. Whether you're on a date or chatting online, being present will help you savor each moment instead of rushing to define the relationship.
# Talk the talk—and listen too!Communication is key, but it’s easier said than done. In relationships, active listening is invaluable. This means not just hearing, but truly understanding, validating, and responding to your partner.
On the other hand, empathetic mirroring—repeating back what your partner says—can help them feel understood. These strategies not only enhance communication but also foster a deeper connection.
# Savor the puppy-love phaseRemember the butterflies in the early days? Or that post-date grin you couldn’t shake? Embrace those moments. The beginning of a relationship is filled with excitement and new experiences. Don’t rush through it—enjoy it like the last piece of your favorite dessert.
# Your love story is uniquely yoursComparing your early days to someone else’s long-term relationship is a recipe for dissatisfaction. Resist the urge to measure your love against others’ social media highlights. Your relationship is one of a kind, and what works for others may not work for you—and that’s completely okay.
# Balance time together and apartWhile enthusiasm is sweet, it can quickly become overwhelming.
Though spending all your time together may seem romantic at first, it’s not sustainable. Make sure to carve out personal space to let your relationship breathe.
# Resist the urge to social media stalkWe’ve all been there—scrolling through years of their Instagram and accidentally liking a post from 2017. Cringe! Over-investing in their social media could ruin the fun of naturally getting to know each other.
# Identify and manage your triggersWe all have emotional triggers, like late replies or unread texts. Identifying these triggers can help you manage your reactions.
Once you recognize what sets you off, try cognitive reframing—changing the way you perceive the situation—to stay calm.
# Use the ‘two-day rule’It’s easy to get swept up in excitement and want to share everything right away, but slow down! Try the “two-day rule,” where you wait 48 hours before sharing something significant. This pause allows for thoughtful sharing rather than oversharing.
# Set realistic expectationsPsychologists talk about expectancy violation—when unmet expectations lead to disappointment. Setting realistic expectations will help you navigate ups and downs with more ease. Remember, you’re getting to know a real person, not seeking the ‘Perfect Partner of the Year.’
# Create a relationship vision boardIt might sound crafty, but creating a relationship vision board can help you and your partner align your goals. This long-term perspective can help you practice patience in the short term, knowing you're both working toward shared objectives.
# Practice the ‘wait to worry’ techniqueMost of our anxieties about new relationships stem from hypothetical scenarios. Instead of stressing, try the ‘wait to worry’ approach. If something’s bothering you, give it 48 hours before addressing it. Often, the issue will resolve itself, or you’ll realize it wasn’t as serious as you initially thought.