How to Improve Your Relationship
There are many areas, big or small, which can cause trouble in a relationship. It doesn’t have to mean that your relationship is doomed to fail, as all it might take is awareness and effort to overcome obstacles and get back on the right path. A willingness to improve the relationship from both parties is often all that is needed to have you both feeling whole again. Problems can happen to any relationship, at any time, so first and foremost it’s important not to compare yours to any other relationship which seems to ‘never have problems’.
Key Signs Your Relationship Needs Working On
Perhaps you’ve noticed that something feels a little off, but you haven’t taken the time and effort to zone in on specific signs which may spell more long-term trouble. It’s important to never ignore any signs that your relationship may be having problems, as this will do no good in trying to work to resolve them.
Key signs include:
- A lack of quality time spent together
- You’re having more arguments or conflicts
- You’re failing to talk about issues or negative feelings
- You’re failing to have enjoyable conversations
- You haven’t been having sex
- A lack of intimacy (this doesn’t have to mean sexual, it can just mean general closeness)
- You have become extremely distant
How to Improve Your Relationship
If you’re experiencing any of the above, all of the above or you simply know that your relationship is missing something at the moment, here are some important steps you can both take to help the situation.
Acknowledge the Problem
First and foremost, you both need to get down to the root of the problem, or the problems, so that you can take the relevant steps. If neither of you are openly discussing the problem, then it can’t be fixed. It’s a good idea to sit down with your partner and get any and all feelings out in the open. You may have your side prepared, but your partner may flag up their own issues which you may not have even considered. Honesty is key.
Work on Your Physical Intimacy
Sex is different for any relationship, and there is absolutely no right or wrong. What matters most is that you’re both having your physical needs met and that you’re openly discussing your needs. Finding time to re-connect in this way is important for closeness and for bonding. If you have any problems with physical intimacy, you can seek professional help as a couple, such as erectile dysfunction treatment and more. It’s important that you support each other through any problems, as failing to acknowledge them or to talk about them will lead to insecurities and bigger problems in the bedroom.
Designate Alone Time Together
Waiting for the opportunity to spend quality time alone may never happen. Life can quickly get in the way, you may end up too tired or other commitments could intrude. If you want to fix something in your relationship, it needs to be treated like any other appointment or schedule which cannot be changed. It may not sound very romantic to treat it this way, but if you set aside a day or an evening which you know is dedicated to your relationship, you can then know when you need to be prepared for, and turn down any other commitments.
It’s also important to make sure you’re not interrupted during this time so you can really concentrate on each other and on working out any issues. So lock the door, switch off your phone and don’t check messages.
Try Something New
Relationships can easily fall into the same routine. Maybe you feel as though this routine has become boring, or you need something new to spark novel emotions in the both of you. Discuss with your partner some ideas for activities or even just simple conversations that you’d never tried before. You could ask each other questions for discussions you’ve never had to learn something new about each other, or you could push the boat out and take a trip that you’ve always both wanted to do, but have always put off.
Trying something new can be as big, small or budget-friendly as you want it to be. It could even be cooking a homemade meal together instead of only one of you cooking.
New experiences let you bond in a different way, and also allow you to learn something new about the other person.
Start Anew
You may be holding on to that argument you had years ago, or remembering the struggles you’ve both had in the past. Try to wipe the slate clean and make a vow to start in a different way with each other going forward, with improved communication and trying new experiences together.
