I have written a lot about love in the last year and a half of writing for The Odyssey. I have written about my relationship, love, struggles. You name it. But a lot of those articles were written when I needed release so admittedly, a few of them are a little hostile.
But recently, I celebrated my two year anniversary and I realized that we've come pretty far. I've learned a hell of a lot of things that may help other people or just provide a different perspective. So I figured I'd share.
1. Communication is beyond important.
Communication is the key to understanding each other and your relationship. Talk about anything and everything to deepen your connection just by talking to each other.
2. Compromise.
Dylan really hated this 5K.
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Relationships are all about compromise and learning to be understanding. I know that there are things your partner loves that you will hate doing. Try doing them anyway and they will return the favor.
3. Be yourself from the beginning.
We all want to be the best versions of ourselves, in the beginning, to "trap" our partner. Honestly, the person you're supposed to be with will love you for you anyway.
4. Maintaining trust takes work.
Trust is hard to build, very easy to break, and extremely hard to rebuild. Set a good foundation for honesty and do your best to build and solidify it. If you can't trust each other, it makes everything else much harder.
5. Respect your significant other always.
There are times when it's hard to understand why your partner says and does the things that they do. But it's very important to respect them, their thoughts, opinions, and wishes.
6. Fighting is normal.
There are just some days your partner is going to get on your last nerve and vise versa. Having disagreements is totally okay. Just make sure you resolve it in a healthy way.
7. Be patient.
Sometimes there are going to be things you can't understand and you just have to wait it out and see where it goes in order for it all to make sense.
8. Never go to bed angry.
Going to bed angry sets the tone for a bad night and a bad day following. It builds an unhealthy habit of ignoring your problems.
9. Taking time for yourself is crucial.
Taking time to be alone and spend time appreciating yourself is important. You need to take time to do your own thing.
10. Bring out the best in each other.
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You should be working to bring the best out in your partner and lifting them up. You should never be bringing out the worst side of each other.
11. Appreciate what they do for you.
Even if it's just bringing you flowers every once in a while. Appreciate everything your partner does for you because they aren't obligated to do any of it.
12. Be their biggest fan.
Be your partner's biggest cheerleader. Support every accomplishment and success in their life because they worked hard for it and it should make you happy to see them succeed.
13. Growth is so important.
You will learn new things about yourselves and each other and hopefully, learn to appreciate this new version of your partner. Appreciate being part of that process.
14. You can't change your partner.
GiphyYour partner will never be this perfect image of Zayn Malik. I'm sorry. But they are who you fell in love with. You can not force your partner to change. They aren't a doll or a Sim. If there's something you don't like, maybe it's time to re-evaluate.
15. Having differences makes things interesting.
Broaden each other's horizons. It's an easy way to learn from each other and expand your world. Or, use those differences to do your own thing every once in a while.
16. Don't dwell on the bad things.
Giphy.comThere will be bad times and bad things that come and go. But remember, they GO. Don't dwell on temporary things of the past.
17. The only opinions that matter are yours.
Other people can and will have their opinions about your relationship and your partner. But the only people with opinions that matter are the two of you. You control what happens in your relationship. Not Susan from accounting.
18. Memories are much sweeter than material things.
Material gifts can be nice, yes. But memories last so much longer than a vase full of flowers or a box of chocolates. Make happy memories to look back on and enjoy later together.
19. Be willing to learn.
Relationships are all about learning. There's an infinite number of things you can learn from the person you love. Always strive to ask them questions and learn new things.
20. Relationships take a lot of work.
GiphyEvery good relationship requires work to build and maintain. I don't want your relationship to turn into a job. But, when you stop working on your relationship, that's when things start to go sideways.
21. Little things matter.
From good morning kisses to the way the sun shines on their face in the afternoon. Recognize and take stock of the little things. Sometimes they're the things you love the most.
22. There is never a bad time to say 'I love you'.
GiphyEveryone wants to feel loved. There's never a bad time to tell your partner that you love them. Even if it's completely random.
23. Getting along with family is important.
Their family was there first and they're going to be there if/when you leave. Get along with them. Get to know them. Learn to love them. They're just as important.
24. Physical affection is important, but it isn't everything.
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Being intimate is a great way to connect. But don't ever do anything you feel uncomfortable doing and don't substitute sex for love. That leads to unhealthy habits and resentment.
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