I'm not a relationship guru, and I've had my fair share of ups and downs, but I've been lucky enough to have grown up in a household with parents who love each other more each day they know each other, which is very rare in today's society. Not only have I had the privilege to be around my parents' successful relationship but also the 65 year long relationship of my grandparents. From both these relationships, and my own, I've noticed there are certain ways to be successful as a couple. So here are what I've seen are actual relationship goals.
1. Creating new adventures and experiences.
New things are always exciting, especially when you have someone to share them with. Instead of doing the same thing every day, once in a while an adventure is an easy way to spice up both of your lives. By doing things together you have a new story to tell, a new chapter in both of your books, and a memory that can last a lifetime.
2. Being with each other while being apart.
While it's great to go away or do things together, sometimes you just need to relax. More often than not, when I come home I see my parents sitting on either end of the couch, doing their own things and just listening to music. My parents are two people that always want to be around each other but still definitely need time apart even if they want to be together.
3. Being partners, not just a couple.
Anyone can be in a relationship or be a couple, but what's really important is to be each other's partner. A partner is more than just someone who you talk to every day or do things with, a partner is someone who is there for you no matter what, and will always have your back.
4. Having your partner as your best friend.
My parents, and my grandparents, are each other's best friends. I have always aspired to achieve that, and luckily I too am in a relationship with my best friend. Your partner should be the person you want to talk to when your day is great, or horrible. They should be the one person you can count on and trust, and they should be your best friend.
5. Dancing together.
This one might seem silly, but dancing together in any way is just a great release of the day. Wether you had a good day or a bad day, a slow dance or just dancing silly while you're home can be a great way to just relax, especially when you have someone to do it with.
6. Arguing.
When I say arguing I don't mean every five minutes about every little thing, but arguing is a good sign of a healthy relationship. It's normal to fight and you're never going to see eye to eye on absolutely everything but holding those feelings in don't make for a healthy relationship. An argument here and there shows you both care enough to fight for each other, and fight for your relationship to work.
7. Sleeping in the same bed.
Going to sleep together, even if you're not holding each other, brings you that much closer to each other. You get to end the say together, every day no matter what.
8. Having time apart.
As important it is to be together, everyone needs to have some time to themselves. Wether it's a bubble bath, a girls/guys night out or a night at the gym, everyone needs some time apart. Understanding that you and your partner both need to be alone allows you both to grow individually, as well as together.
9. Talking on the phone.
In the electronic age, texting is the main form of communication, but it's pretty impersonal. Talking on the phone let's you feel that much closer to each other. This goes not only for your romantic relationships but any relationships, sometimes all you need to hear is someone's voice.
10. Never go to bed angry.
This is the most important of all. Ever since I was little my parents have always told me that you never, ever go to bed angry at someone especially someone you love. If you're having an argument, you either agree to disagree, work it out, or bench the conversation until the morning. You never know what can happen in a night and you don't want to go to bed mad at someone you love, just in case that's the last time you see them.
