Do’s and don’ts when starting a new relationship

If dating life was a movie it would go like this, you meet a handsome man or a drop-dead gorgeous woman, your eyes lock, you fall in love, he gets down on one knee and then you live happily thereafter.

Too bad, love tends to develop a little less cinematically in real life.

In the beginning of most relationships, things are all rosy and sweet but at the same time they can be somewhat tricky.

For this reason, you need to equip yourself with the do’s and don’ts especially if you’re starting a new relationship. Below are a few of those that will help you make or break the longevity of your new romance.

It’s essential that you show your affection towards your significant other because it can bring you two closer. Tempting as it may be, don’t overdo the amount of affection you give.

Some of the ways of doing this is by paying your partner full attention especially when they are talking.

When discussing important matters, don’t use your phone or anything that could be a possible distractor.

Make time even if you are busy and it can be as simple as calling during your lunch break.

You don’t want to scare your partner and make him run away when you just got them now do you? It is still too soon to overthink and talk about the future.

As promising as it may appear on the surface, this is a new relationship. It’s time for both of you to get to know each other and test your compatibility.

Don’t rush them into certain commitments asking about wanting kids or coming up with serious topics like baby names. That can end up being a major turn off for them.

Have realistic expectations in your relationships and your partner instead of comparing them to a fictional character you’ve seen in a movie or read about in a novel. That will make them appreciate you more.

Accept the fact that they are flawed human beings.

There will be times where you will be disappointed but you still love them anyway.

Communicate openly without being judgmental or defensive. Tell your significant other what you want rather than having them guess and feel bad when they don’t get it right.

Understand that your partner will not always have grand gestures like surprising you with a room full of flowers or a flash mob performance as you stroll by the park.

Instead, treasure small but more important gestures like a forehead kiss, a word of encouragement when you’re down, opening the door for you, or staying at the dangerous side of the road as you take a romantic walk.

Respect each other’s independence and stop hoping that your partner will be texting or calling you every second of the day.

Frequent communication is crucial in a relationship, but constant contact communication can be suffocating.

Pessimism can come off in various forms like not wanting to try something your partner likes, jealousy when their ex reaches out to them, your insecurities when your partner appreciates another person, and the list goes on.

Be open to try new things like where he loves to have his favorite meal because you’ll never know how good or undesirable they can be if you don’t try.

At the same time, it's highly possible that you’re not the only person who finds your partner attractive.

Even though it is a new relationship, it is important not to hide things or important information from your significant other.

This is important because a foundation of honesty and integrity is very critical right from the start and throughout the journey.

In most relationships where people have dated for years on end, it is true to state that honesty was something they adhered to.