The Sims have not only taught us valuable lessons for adulthood, but we also learned how to build strong relationships with people by playing the highly addictive game. Remember when we forced our Sims together just to start the life process that much quicker? Well, let's slow down and really look at the steps to form a strong relationship.
Make sure you don't regret moving too fast, like our Sims sometimes do!
1. Be polite and open to meeting new people
Just like in the game, we don't know when or where we will meet our new "significant other," so make sure to get involved in conversations around you. I met my boyfriend accidentally, I wasn't planning on going out that night. I was introduced to him and we started rambling on and on, and I'm glad I didn't stay home that day!
2. Start out as friends
They always say to start out as friends, and although I don't know exactly who they are, it's a good philosophy. In the beginning of any relationship, whether friendly or romantic, you are basically learning each other. I would cancel a friendship just as I would a partner if we weren't capable to enjoy hanging out.
3. Don't smother
Biggest rule there is! i know, by now you have started a new friendship but it's starting to build up more and more, and you want to be up their butts, just breathe. No one likes a stage-5-clinger! Let them have their space, and you should have your too. Seriously, give each other space.
4. Slowly introduce your romantic feelings
If the momentum is still building, it may be time to confess attraction. Do so subtly, and don't expect too much. Remember, just because you are ready to plunge, might not mean they are at the time. But if you feel confident, awesome! You can calmly make them notice your feelings by doing little things like caressing their arm when speaking, or texting them that you were thinking of them. It doesn't have to be announced until you feel it will be returned confidently.
5. Date
Dating is underestimated. I remember going to the beach, taking walks and relaxing in lounges while I was dating. Keep it strictly to low-key places; where you can really engage and build this rolling-ball of romance. Don't go to the movies, you will waste up to two hours of your night and you left knowing nothing about your date other than their snack preference, or how much butter they like on their popcorn. Movies are not the place to go when building a relationship, save them for after you are "together" together.
6. Express your feelings
By now, you have been dating and really know your partner. It might be the time to speak up. If you want to profess your feelings, do so. If they feel the same way, GREAT! You are officially together. Isn't that what you wanted? What's next? Yeah, you hold hands and kiss whenever you want, but what really happens next?
7. Fall in love
Now you can hopefully fall in love! You can date and be in a relationship with someone you don't necessarily love. Remember Jr. High? I know I wasn't allowed to date, but I had a boyfriend who could call me every once in a while. We never went anywhere. Well, now you are older and you have a partner. Next, you hope to fall in love! I think that's the strongest feeling to ever feel, so do things right so it can naturally happen.
8. Take it to the next level
You're in love! Why not take things to the next level? There should be some kind of understanding they you both are happy and want to pursue a life together, in a deeper way. Whether you are taking it to the next level by moving in, getting married, or giving a copy of your key, make the move!
Now that you know the right way to form a relationship, go try it out! Take things slow, there isn't a pause or delete button like the game. And be sure to check out my other articles.
