I have been in a relationship since I was seventeen years old. I’m now almost twenty-one and am still dating the same guy. We’ve been through a whirlwind of life together, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. Although we are still incredibly young, we truly are constantly learning more about each other and our relationship as a whole.
If there is one simple piece of advice that I could pass on to any couple out there, is to pick and choose your battles.
By picking and choosing your battles, you are deciding what is honestly worth your time and energy. You find that you begin to ask yourself, “Is this really worth an argument?” I sincerely believe that this straightforward attitude has the ability to bring wonders to any relationship.
Couples argue. Arguments don’t necessarily mean you’re unhealthy for each other, or you don’t belong together. It means you don’t agree with something. Not the end of the world. Fix it and move on. At the end of the day you still love each other, right? When choosing your battles wisely, you’re fighting for what actually matters. Does it matter that your partner didn’t take the garbage out this morning? Or that they didn’t plug in their phone before they went to bed? Absolutely not. While this may be aggravating or annoying, it’s not the end of the world. Don’t start fights over stupid shit. Not worth it.
Picking your arguments wisely is honestly a skill worth mastering.
You do not need to fight every argument that you encounter. If you add fuel to every single fire in your life, you’ll just end up being burned every time. You might start thinking, “I’m right and I know he’s wrong!, or “But I have to be right in this situation.” You don’t always HAVE to be right. You aren’t some dictator who needs an uncontrollable amount of power. You’re a human being, and your partner is too. You’re two people who disagree on something. Not the end of the world. Say “I love you” and move on. Stop being stubborn and argumentative, and think about your partners feelings. Don’t dwell on the past, or overthink stupid shit.
Look, couples are going to fight. That's a cold stone given. But arguments don't need to be the end of the world. It's amazing what can happen when you simply take a deep breath and step back to analyze the situation.
PS: This doesn't have to strictly be structured around a boyfriend/ girlfriend relationship, either! It can be applied to any relationships, friends, family, etc! Healthy relationships are key, people!