This article was co-authored by Sarah Schewitz, PsyD and by wikiHow staff writer, Glenn Carreau. Sarah Schewitz, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist by the California Board of Psychology with over 10 years of experience. She received her Psy.D. from the Florida Institute of Technology in 2011. She is the founder of Couples Learn, an online psychology practice helping couples and individuals improve and change their patterns in love and relationships.
There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
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Are you getting serious about a relationship and wondering how to ensure it's long and healthy? Or maybe you've had a committed partner for years and want to strengthen the relationship even more. Either way, while relationships are hard work, they're also incredibly fulfilling and worth the effort! Read on for a comprehensive guide to forging a healthy relationship using communication, trust, intimacy, and respect.
Things You Should Know
- Develop trust, emotional intimacy, and good communication skills. Be honest and open with your partner, ask lots of questions, and listen.
- Make time for dates and other fun activities. Spend quality time together, indulge in spontaneity, and use plenty of physical affection.
- Fight fairly and resolve conflicts respectfully to move forward together. Establish needs and boundaries with your partner to minimize conflict.
Steps
wikiHow Quiz: Are My Partner and I Compatible?
What Are Tips For Your First Relationship?
Dating Coach
Confidence makes you more desirable. To set yourself up for a healthier partnership, focus on building a positive self-image and be kind to yourself.
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
References
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/click-here-for-happiness/202207/7-tips-for-building-a-happy-relationship
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/health/how-to-maintain-love-in-healthy-relationships
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/health/how-to-maintain-love-in-healthy-relationships
- ↑ https://jedfoundation.org/resource/how-to-create-and-maintain-healthy-relationships/
- ↑ https://jedfoundation.org/resource/how-to-create-and-maintain-healthy-relationships/
- ↑ https://jedfoundation.org/resource/how-to-create-and-maintain-healthy-relationships/
- ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/active-listening/
- ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/build-trust/
- ↑ https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/building-and-maintaining-healthy-relationships
- ↑ https://www.optionsforsexualhealth.org/facts/sex/intimacy-and-relationships/
- ↑ https://www.loveisrespect.org/resources/how-to-fight-fair/
- ↑ https://www.loveisrespect.org/resources/how-to-genuinely-apologize/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/click-here-happiness/202111/how-love-yourself-more
- ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/self-compassion-self-love/
About This Article
It can feel difficult to keep a relationship healthy, but if you focus on being open and honest with your partner, you’ll feel your relationship grow stronger each day. Communication is vital for any healthy relationship, so talk to your partner about things that bother you. For example, if your partner doesn’t clean the house enough, say something like “I love you, but I feel frustrated when I come home to a dirty house. Can we come up with a solution?” If you have an argument, avoid blaming each other or name-calling, since these are more hurtful than helpful. Instead, cooperate to find a solution you can both agree on. Additionally, make sure to set boundaries and expectations you have for each other so you’re on the same page. For instance, some couples like to split finances 50/50, while others pay for things individually. Knowing how your partner feels about these things will avoid conflict later on! To learn how to keep the romance alive in your relationship, read more from our Dating co-author!
Reader Success Stories
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"My partner loves me but he does not want to say those words. It seems difficult for him to say "I love you" to me. I can see his actions and efforts. But as a woman I need to hear those words. I want to to told that I'm loved."..." more