There are many ways couples can ensure their relationship stays together and moves past the initial phase. However, many often give up within a few weeks, with little or no effort put into ensuring the relationship’s longevity. “Couples who play together, live together” isn’t just a saying — it’s a mantra for new couples. There are tips and tricks one can use to create a lasting bond. However, effort should be put in by both partners at the same time.
1. Place Less Importance On The Word “Me.”
In the beginning of the relationship, we feel responsible for showing the best of ourselves. We put on our best face and constantly focus on the words “me,” “my,” “I,” and “mine.” We fail to acknowledge our partner and their needs and we tend to ignore until the bubble bursts. In order to create a bond, one has to take the initiative to get to know their counterpart. Instead of focusing on your strengths, ask your partner about theirs. Play to their strengths and allow yourself to be vulnerable. If the best of you is the only part visible at the beginning, when your flaws do show up in the midst of your relationship they may be a surprise to your partner. None of us are perfect beings, so let your partner see the real you. You should both place a focus on each other rather than on yourselves.
2. Practice A Hobby Together.
Shared hobbies are the best way to create bonds. We use hobbies as a way to bond with ourselves and understand ourselves; therefore, creating one together allows you to better know one another. The best way to find the perfect hobby is to indulge in activities where you can fail, learn, and grow together while still having fun. For example, initially in my personal relationship, we were both terrible at cooking. We decided the best way to get to know one another would be to take cooking lessons and try to prepare dinner for one another. Our first dinner gave us both food poisoning, but eventually we got better. Now it has become a tradition that we make Saturday night dinners together.
3. Get A Pet Together.
Pets are great for bonding. They give you the incentive and need to cooperate and make decisions together. When you’re new in a relationship, fights over differences are common. However, many fail to realize that having a pet together could actually be a solution. Animals are generally very intuitive towards their masters; they understand their moods and auras around them. A negative ambiance makes them react differently compared to a positive one. Having a pet can allow a chance for better communication because instinctively your pet might initiate the reconciliation to avoid anymore negative energy.
4. Experience Extreme Adventures Together.
The couples who are capable of constantly creating memories together are the couples that are able to make extreme decisions. However, the terms “extreme” and “adventure” may bear different definitions to different individuals. For an adrenaline junkie, writing letters and going on a quiet walk may seem like a new adventure, while for those quiet gems, going on a hike or jumping into a bottomless pond may seem quite extreme. Understand your partner and take them on an adventure they will never forget. You may fail, you may laugh, you may talk, and you may be forced to make decisions. Overall, you’ll create memories with one another. These memories may help you to develop a tolerance to your partner’s habits and serve a purpose as reconciliation tools in the future. Overall, we are all instinctually tuned to put on a mask to impress. However, as the mask wears off and our flaws surface, we fail to realize that flaws are part of being human. We avoid or quit the one adventure that could be our companion when we’re 70 and gray. Therefore, make an effort to create a bond at the start of your relationship to ensure a great adventure until the end. Featured photo credit: Shenkeri Chandramohan via facebook.com
