What Are The Dos And Don'ts Of A Healthy Relationship?

No relationship is flawless, which is a common belief; nevertheless, this shouldn't be the norm that forces us to stay in relationships that are harming us physically, mentally, and emotionally. The objective is not perfection, remarked psychotherapist Emily H. Sanders in reference to the same. Tests, disappointments, and difficult talks are all part of healthy partnerships. There are hiccups along the road, and relationships need work. The adage "no relationship is perfect" should not, however, be used as justification for continuing a relationship that is unhealthy for your physical or emotional wellness. It might be dangerous to normalize improper behavior.

As a couple spends more time together, they are likely to encounter unforeseen and difficult events. Under such pressures, some relationships fail, while others not only survive but also become stronger. The couples whose love grows stronger in the face of adversity do so by concentrating on two things: the advantages of their union and understanding how to avoid danger.

Although there is a ton of published guidance to keep long-term partners connected when crises approach, most of it is difficult to implement in the face of serious hardship. Relationship partners are sometimes unable to react appropriately when they are stressed out and vulnerable. I have been a relationship therapist for 40 years, and I often encounter couples going through these trying periods. They are frantically looking for a straightforward set of guidelines to guide them through an often agonizing period since their lives have been completely turned upside down, they are overwhelmed, and they are bewildered.

A new relationship may make your life interesting once again, and falling in love is a lovely experience. Your thoughts are always on your spouse, making everything around you seem more attractive to you. You get disoriented and find yourself daydreaming all day long. You eagerly anticipate their calls and messages as well.

However, during the early stages of a new relationship, one may also get a bit more insecure and begin to question their abilities. The initial enthusiasm may sometimes cloud your judgment and put you in danger. To learn the dos and don'ts of beginning a new relationship, read this page.

20 Guidelines For Beginning A New Relationship

These advice can help you be your best self in the relationship, despite the fact that relationship anxiety is a genuine thing. Continue reading.

1. Keep your anxieties to yourself

When they begin dating someone new, one of the things that many individuals have a tendency to do is to open up about their relationship worries and concerns immediately away. Your present spouse will feel overwhelmed if you discuss your prior relationships with them. Do not overshare and keep the interactions brief and pleasant.

2. Avoid comparing them.

You may be tempted to criticize them early on in the relationship, but resist the urge since it might be hurtful to them. Additionally, avoid discussing your previous relationships and beginning to compare them to your present one since doing so might make your partner envious and insecure. They can also believe that you have not moved over your previous relationship.

3. Avoid being clingy

A new relationship's beginning is exhilarating. You always want to be with your significant other, and when you are apart, you find yourself wanting to phone or text to find out every little aspect about their lives. You need to calm down and give them room to breathe first. Since you will have plenty of opportunity to talk about everything you want in the future, you don't want to overload them now.

4. Attend to the discussion on "birds and bees"

Practice safe sex if you and your partner are in a sexual relationship. The ideal situation would be to discuss your fears and preferences with your spouse in bed. You may both get closer to one another in this manner.

5. Be open to experimenting with new things.

Give it a go if your spouse wants to try something new but you don't; you could find that you like it. Being receptive to new experiences is always a fantastic approach to learn new things. Furthermore, the two of you could wind up finding a shared interest.

6. Don't rush into sexual intimacy with your lover.

You could believe that closeness is necessary for a long-lasting relationship based on popular culture and television programs. However, in the beginning of your relationship, neither you nor your partner should feel compelled to be intimate. When you are at ease with your significant other, only do that.

7. Don't maintain strict limits.

You could be worried about becoming overly emotional with your lover, but doing so will only highlight your integrity. At the start of a new relationship, vulnerability is challenging, but you have to believe in the process. Maybe you've been injured before. But you've taken the risk and entered into this relationship. Consequently, have faith in the other person and proceed cautiously.

8. Avoid hounding them about their ex.

Many individuals prefer to shy away from "ex-talk," and for good reason too. Do not continue probing your partner's history by asking about their connection with their ex if they had a horrible split. Give them some time, and they'll start to open up. Such queries will fatigue them emotionally if they are asked often.

9. Keep in mind your friends

Making arrangements with your spouse to spend time together is great, but you also need to take some time for yourself. Don't immediately place your lover at the center of your life; you should also make time for your family and friends.

10. Delay making plans for the future.

Ask them what their objectives and ambitions are for the future rather than planning your future with them. They may want to proceed more slowly and take things step by step. Later, you'll have plenty of time to talk about it. Enjoy your newfound love with your bae for the time being.

11. Be realistic in your expectations

When you first start dating someone, you can think they are someone straight out of a storybook because of how endearing and wonderful they are. Keeping your head in the clouds is undesirable, at least in the early stages of a relationship. It may take some time before you realize whether they are "the one." Instead, exercise patience and follow the connection to where it leads.

12. Avoid becoming envious

Being protective of your partner is admirable, but when it transforms into borderline possessiveness and jealousy, it is a warning sign and might harm your relationship. Mutual trust, comprehension, and dedication should be the cornerstones of the partnership. Jealousy and distrust never result in anything positive.

13. Avoid exalting them

A person has several facets that only become apparent over time. You begin to recognize each of their colors as you spend more time with them. It is simple to get enthralled and mesmerized by your new love and their magnetic nature. But it's crucial to remember that since they are just human, glorifying and worshiping them can only leave you disappointed. Nobody is intrinsically superior to or inferior to anybody else.

14. Respect your space

It is common to lose your sense of self when you are with your newfound bae all day. Working a 9 to 5 job, exercising, scheduling time to visit family and friends, and going on dates with your significant other may all become too much. Consequently, it's crucial to take some time for yourself and participate in things you want to do by yourself.

15. Do arrange your dates differently,

Try to come up with new plans each time rather than the same old movie or dinner date. By doing so, you both get to experience new things and strengthen your relationship. If it's summer, consider setting up a picnic date, going on a beach stroll after dusk, or going trekking. When organizing your dates, consider a variety of options.

16. Show them appreciation

Recognize the positive traits you admire about them. No matter how tiny a compliment it may appear to be, showing someone you appreciate them will let them know how much you think they're special. Your partnership will have a strong foundation as a result.

17. Organize your priorities.

It's crucial to establish your priorities up front when you're in a relationship. For example, if your spouse wants to spend time with you after a long work week and you often choose to take a rain check, they will get irritated. If the two of you are serious about one other, schedule dates that will allow you to spend time together. Make sure that such agreements benefit both of you in a "win-win" situation.

18. Be aware of the warning signs.

Many individuals ignore the warning signs in their relationships since new partnerships may sometimes overwhelm you to the point where you lose consciousness. For instance, you could believe your spouse is acting out of love if they become too possessive and begin to dominate you. But it will simply make situations more poisonous and complex. Make sure you discuss this with your friends and family, who can think more clearly since they are not yet overwhelmed by the newness of the connection.

19. Be kind to yourself.

"Only make choices that reinforce your self-image, self-esteem, and self-worth," Oprah Winfrey famously said. It's crucial to respect oneself. How can you expect others to appreciate you if you don't respect yourself? You should also pay attention to how your spouse interacts with others. The likelihood is that if they treat them disrespectfully, they will ultimately treat you disrespectfully.

Do not forget

It is essential to respect yourself and be respected by your spouse if you want to have a healthy relationship. Learn what works for you, understand your value, and never forget that you deserve to be happy.

20. Do express your desires honestly.

You could think that telling someone about your emotional needs can irritate them at times. However, when you do let them in on your desires and needs, they are aware of the commitment they made when they chose to be in a relationship with you. Therefore, don't be hesitant to communicate your needs to your spouse