The Road to Better and Lasting Relationships
Words by Katherine C. Eustaquio
Published in Total Fitness Magazine August 2011 Issue
They say that the path to true love is sometimes a rocky road. It really is. If you don’t experience a series of rough patches in your relationship, then you’re probably in denial or you’re just not that into him or worse, you’re settling. Sailing into your happily ever after may never run as smoothly as you have always imagined but here are a handful of tips on how to keep your boat from turning over into the water.
Honesty + Acceptance
Every relationship survives and thrives on honesty. This doesn’t mean vocalizing even the nastiest remarks on your head. It simply means you have to be open with your partner about your weaknesses, your needs, financial capacity, lifestyle choices, and even your past. It also implies being honest with yourself. What is it that you really want in a relationship and what are the things that you can and can’t give up? Honesty begets acceptance on both sides. It’s only when you are truly honest with yourself that you can be honest with everyone else.
Respect + Open Communication
Couples are often advised to practice open communication to avoid misunderstandings. But keep in mind that there are things better left unsaid and should be dealt in a more subtle manner. Career issues, “Mama’s Boy” complex and family drama—these are examples of sensitive issues that you shouldn’t press even in the name of open communication. Respect the fact that some people have their ways of dealing with issues in their own time and in their own way.
Own up to who you really are.
Most women feel the need to downplay their own success so they won’t intimidate men. For some, it’s a small price to pay in order to nurture a connection made within a society that still sees men as the stronger sex. However, you can do as much as hide your achievements. In the long run, can you really hide your brain? Isn’t it so much better to be with someone who isn’t threatened by your success? Downplaying yourself will only create unreasonable standards. The worst part is that you have to live up to that rather than nurturing your true potential.
Fall in Love Over and Over Again
As you strive to grow as individuals in a relationship, embrace the new and improved versions of yourselves. People change but that doesn’t mean that you are doomed to grow apart. It’s true that the real secret to a lasting relationship is to fall in love deeper and deeper in love with the same person over and over again.
Published in Total Fitness Magazine August 2011 Issue
They say that the path to true love is sometimes a rocky road. It really is. If you don’t experience a series of rough patches in your relationship, then you’re probably in denial or you’re just not that into him or worse, you’re settling. Sailing into your happily ever after may never run as smoothly as you have always imagined but here are a handful of tips on how to keep your boat from turning over into the water.
Honesty + Acceptance
Every relationship survives and thrives on honesty. This doesn’t mean vocalizing even the nastiest remarks on your head. It simply means you have to be open with your partner about your weaknesses, your needs, financial capacity, lifestyle choices, and even your past. It also implies being honest with yourself. What is it that you really want in a relationship and what are the things that you can and can’t give up? Honesty begets acceptance on both sides. It’s only when you are truly honest with yourself that you can be honest with everyone else.
Respect + Open Communication
Couples are often advised to practice open communication to avoid misunderstandings. But keep in mind that there are things better left unsaid and should be dealt in a more subtle manner. Career issues, “Mama’s Boy” complex and family drama—these are examples of sensitive issues that you shouldn’t press even in the name of open communication. Respect the fact that some people have their ways of dealing with issues in their own time and in their own way.
Own up to who you really are.
Most women feel the need to downplay their own success so they won’t intimidate men. For some, it’s a small price to pay in order to nurture a connection made within a society that still sees men as the stronger sex. However, you can do as much as hide your achievements. In the long run, can you really hide your brain? Isn’t it so much better to be with someone who isn’t threatened by your success? Downplaying yourself will only create unreasonable standards. The worst part is that you have to live up to that rather than nurturing your true potential.
Fall in Love Over and Over Again
As you strive to grow as individuals in a relationship, embrace the new and improved versions of yourselves. People change but that doesn’t mean that you are doomed to grow apart. It’s true that the real secret to a lasting relationship is to fall in love deeper and deeper in love with the same person over and over again.
