Five skills for a happy relationship

Every relationship is different and what makes you happy may not be my cup of tea.

But one thing is clear, when you see a happy couple, it automatically shows. And if you’re in a happy relationship, you will also know it.

It is also important to note that as you grow older and discover new experiences, your expectations, desires and needs will also change.

However, certain attributes hold strong to foster a healthy relationship. And don’t get me wrong, even great couples fight.

Here are some key skills you may need for a happy relationship.

i.Fight fairly

Fact is, fall outs will always be there. How you handle them will determine the course of your relationship. If you’re fighting too often and the intensity of the arguments is getting worse, that is bordering on the danger zone.

Focus on the issue at hand, hear each other out, be calm and care more about fixing the problem than being right. In a good relationship couples should be able to communicate all emotions whether good or bad.

You should also know which battles to pick. If it’s something you can let go without it affecting how you feel about your partner let it slide.

And no matter how upset you may be, never air your dirty laundry in front of the children or family members.

ii.Show gratitude

Don’t take your partner for granted and always show gratitude. For every kind thing, small or big, be grateful for the effort. This is especially important after years of being together, kids and adulting.

Enrich your relationship by regularly reminding each other what they mean to you. A simple love note or afternoon phone call will go a long way to make your partner feel loved and appreciated.

iii.Be intentional

Things don’t just happen you must make them happen. Couples in happy relationships understand that work must be put it. Like a garden, you must tend to it or weeds will take over. Same case applies.

At times you will have to do things when you don’t really want to but it is about compromise and putting the other person first.

Effort and actions have to be put in to cultivate a happy relationship.

iv.Learn their love language

We all have different love languages and just because yours do not match, it does not mean you’re incompatible.

The important thing is to understand do things that will make your partner feel valued and loved. Words of affirmation may be their language and if you don’t give her that she may go through the relationship feeling unappreciated.

Get to know how they want to be loved and show it to them.

v.Don’t change each other

In the motions of life, things happen and at times we change. Adapt and grow together when these changes come especially if they are positive. Be flexible and supportive of each other because at the end of the day you are a couple.

On the other spectrum, if certain traits in your partner annoy you, don’t try to change them. Once you stop trying to make them fit into your mold, you will eliminate the source of many arguments.

If you’re both serious about your relationship, you will both aspire to know and give what the other person wants even if it doesn’t come naturally.