Your relationship with your spouse or significant other should be one of happiness and understanding. But sometimes it can be stressful. Learning how to strengthen your relationship with your spouse will do wonders for not only your marriage, but also your stress level in general.
Here are a few thoughts to keep in mind when dealing with a spouse, significant other, or social partner.
1. Recognize that you can only control your own behavior. The more you try to control someone else, the less likely it is that the person will do what you want.
2. Differences in perceptions, opinions, needs, and wants need to be respected. The most effective way to accomplish this is to clarify your position rather than to attempt to convince the other person that your way or viewpoint is the best.
3. Recognize the other person’s opinions. People want to be recognized at least as much as they want to be appreciated.
4. Trust is critical. All parties must feel safe. Many a relationship gasped its last breath with the words, “I simply don’t trust you anymore.”
5. Disagreements and bad feelings are inevitable. The trick is to agree upon some procedure to resolve them when they erupt.
6. The top priority must be that the relationship takes precedence over the desire of either individual.
7. Keep in mind the supreme practice: Be kind to each other.
No relationship will ever be perfect—not even your relationship with your spouse. Having both ups and downs in any relationship is normal. The key is to take the steps to strengthen your relationships, especially your relationship with your spouse.
Tip: Focus on these 7 relationship tips on a daily basis. You will quickly notice that your relationships improve as your stress declines.
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