Better Relationship Tips and Relationship Advice

I have seen many healthy relationships but I have seen even more unhealthy ones. My husband and I have been together for 13 years, married for five of those years, and I have to say that our relationship just gets better. Relationship advice is often in the eye of the beholder; what works for one couple may not work for another but it doesn't hurt to try new ideas!

Better Relationship Tips and Relationship Advice

Date Night

Dates are important, whether you have been together for a month or fifty years. A healthy relationship can only be healthy if both partners remember to put each other first.Take the time for each other even if it is only once a month.

Set Goals

Goal setting is important for a better relationship as it puts you both on the same page. Sit down around your anniversary and go over the goals each of you have for yourselves, your careers, your relationship and your home and family. Go over your long term and your short term goals. Goal setting is important in a healthy relationship because it keeps you a unit instead of two people who live together.

Money

Money is probably the number one reason for marital discord. Many money problems can be helped by discussing them before they become problems. Be honest and upfront with each other so that there are no surprises. Even if only one does the bills make sure to discuss it with the other so both know where the money is going and why. Agree on a budget that will work for both and make sure each has their own money to spend how they want, even if it is only a few bucks a week.

Chores and Errands

Discuss the division of labor for your home and write it down so no one is mistaken as to their duties. Sit down and reassign duties when your situation changes such as the birth of a child, gaining or losing a job, or a medical condition. No one person should have to do all of the chores when you and your partner are sharing a home.

Raising Children

Go over the raising of children before you have them for a better relationship. Talk about how you were raised and how you would like to raise your children. Discuss discipline, expectations, etc. Decide who will stay home with children, if either one will, and how you will split the duties associated with children down to bath and bed times chores.

Say I Love You Every Day

It may seem simple but it is a good reinforcement on those days when you are angry with each other. Try to say it at least once a day, though me and my husband say it quite often, when we get off the phone, when he wakes me in the morning to say goodbye, and just randomly. If the other has done something you appreciate then tell them, this is just as good, if not better, than an I love you.

Kiss Every Day

Even a simple peck is better than nothing but it is more about staying intimate with each other. Hug each other, pat as you walk by, wink from across the room, or hold hands as you walk. These things are simple but can keep the intimacy going.

Communicate

This is huge. Talk to each other. Listen to each other. Tell your significant other about your day. Talk about your children, your families, your job, your hopes, and your dreams. You don't have to make a big deal out of it but take at least a few minutes out of your day to go over anything important you may have on your mind. You married this person so there is no reason they shouldn't be your best friend.

Laugh

This is my favorite tip for a better relationship. A healthy relationship laughs at the mistakes they have made. Inside jokes that are special to the two of you help enhance your intimacy and your personal relationship. If all else fails grab a comedy and watch it alone together!

Do Things Apart and Together

You are a unit and you should do things as a unit. You should have common friends and at least one common interest. Make time to do a hobby that you both enjoy together without distractions from friends and family. While it is important to be a unit it is also important not to lose your individuality. Go to lunch with your friends without your spouse or take a class and learn something new. This will help you come back to your relationship refreshed and excited to see the other person and share what you did or learned.

Respect

Respect the person you are with. Respect their space, ideas, hopes, friends and family. It doesn't mean you have to like them but you must respect them. A relationship without respect will dissolve into an unhealthy relationship very quickly.

Perhaps these relationship tips will better your life and lead you to a healthy and a happy relationship with your partner.