In a recent interview on a talk show called ‘Koffee with Karan’, Deepika Padukone said that marriage takes work and that’s what makes it beautiful and that is the truth of all relationships. Your relationships are the most important investments you’ll ever make in your life. But the important thing to understand is that once you’ve made this investment, it doesn’t end there. It actually begins and continues from thereon.
The initial attraction that gets a couple close to each other doesn’t stay for long and is certainly not the only factor that is needed to keep the relationship going. A healthy relationship demands and needs a blend of a lot of ingredients to keep it going.
It needs time, effort and commitment every single day to make sure that the relationship not only survives life’s storms but also thrives in them. A strong and healthy relationship is the one where couples keep coming back to each other because they see the goodness in their partner’s hearts and trust their partner to be their safe haven. It needs love, laughter, patience, empathy and a belongingness to ensure that partners stay connected with each other no matter what. Here are some things that can help partners in maintaining a vibrant and fulfilling partnership:
Communication is Key: When couples don’t talk about how their thoughts & emotions and aren’t able to understand each other’s perspectives, the relationship becomes a breeding ground for conflict and chaos. Open and honest communication is the cornerstone of a healthy relationship. Share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns with your partner regularly. This fosters understanding and prevents misunderstandings from snowballing into bigger issues.
Quality Time Together: Make time for each other amidst your busy lives. Date nights, weekend getaways, or simply enjoying a quiet evening together can rekindle the romantic flame. These moments help you connect on a deeper level.
Show Appreciation: Never underestimate the power of a simple “thank you” or “I love you.” Expressing gratitude and affection frequently reinforces the value you place on each other.
Embrace Change Together: Expecting your partner or yourself to be the same throughout the course of the relationship, is an unrealistic expectation to have. People change over time, and so do relationships. Be open to adapting to these changes and growing together. Celebrate each other’s personal growth.
Trust and Respect: Trust and respect are the foundation of any strong relationship. Avoid actions or behaviours that erode trust, and always treat your partner with respect.
Keep the Intimacy Alive: Physical intimacy is an essential part of a romantic relationship. Spice things up in the bedroom, experiment with new experiences, and ensure your connection remains passionate.
Set Goals Together: Collaborate on future goals and aspirations. Working towards common objectives can strengthen your bond and provide a sense of purpose.
Maintain Independence: While togetherness is vital, it’s equally important to maintain individual identities. Give each other space to pursue personal interests and hobbies.
Resolve Conflicts Wisely: Disagreements are natural, but it’s how you resolve them that matters. Avoid blame games and instead focus on finding solutions and compromising when needed.
At the end of the day, no relationship is perfect, and challenges are a part of the journey. It’s the commitment to working through these challenges and prioritizing your love that keeps a relationship alive and thriving. When you and your partner are on the same team , your relationship is bound to win.
A Gold Medalist in Counseling Psychology, Damini is a passionate Psychologist, Life Coach, Writer & Facilitator. Through her Center for Counseling & Well-Being, I’m Powered in Delhi, she has been helping individuals & groups create meaningful changes in their lives, since 2014.