A person spends years searching for happiness. After unsuccessful experiences, exhausting relationships, and unsuitable people, they eventually find a partner who shares their values and views. We can all agree that when one person is all about gambling while their partner is completely against the idea of even creating a Playamo login just to try out those demo slots, it’s just not a vibe! But that’s just the beginning. Healthy relationships require continuous work on oneself, emotions, and behavior. We may sincerely want to become the best versions of ourselves and bring happiness to our loved ones, but how can we do this?
Let’s explore how to work on our behavior in various situations and learn how to handle conflicts, deal with jealousy, and avoid becoming dependent on our partner.
How to Communicate Effectively
Abandon strategies that don’t work. For example, you might stay silent when your partner makes an unpleasant joke about you. You fear appearing overly sensitive or humorless. This approach is effective in the short term — you avoid immediate discomfort by remaining silent. However, over time, negative emotions will build up and may harm the relationship.
In such situations, take a pause and ask yourself: “Is this behavior helping us grow closer or pushing us apart?” If it helps, continue. If not, abandon this strategy and try a new one. You and your partner are allies against the problem, not adversaries.
How to Avoid Codependency
A codependent person tends to go against their desires and needs, care excessively, act to their own detriment, and control their partner’s actions, emotions, and feelings.
What can help?
- Identify codependent patterns and recognize their negative effects.
- Work on negative thoughts and beliefs about yourself.
- Develop effective stress management strategies.
- Establish healthy boundaries.
- Improve communication skills.
- Acknowledge and respect your needs.
Should You Seek Advice From Others?
Critically evaluate advice and recommendations from books, friends, relationship experts, and others.
Your relationship has its own norms and values, which may differ from what society and culture suggest. Choose what helps you become stronger and happier. Observe what brings you closer to your ideal relationship and what pulls you away.
How to Deal With Jealousy
Jealousy often arises when there’s a sense that the relationship is under threat. You might start accusing your partner of infidelity, spying on them, interrogating, controlling, or excessively demonstrating love.
This is likely to lead to consequences such as obsessiveness, suspicion, excessive demands, wounded pride, a sense of alienation, and conflicts.
It’s important to address the problem by accepting your emotions and practicing mindful behavior. Open yourself to your feelings, allowing them to come and go without interfering in your life. Don’t waste energy suppressing them. Control your behavior — don’t let emotions take over. Discuss your concerns with your partner without accusations or reproaches.
How to Behave During a Conflict
Instead of using passive, aggressive, or passive-aggressive communication styles, adopt an assertive approach.
This means respecting both yourself and your partner. During arguments, express your emotions honestly and clearly. Make an effort to actively listen to your partner and ensure they feel heard. Seek compromises that consider both your needs and those of your partner. Both of you should feel free to express your thoughts and emotions.
In conflicts, it’s essential to prevent your aggression from surfacing. To do this, you can use the STOP technique:
- S — Slow down: Use breathing and physical relaxation techniques.
- T — Take note: Pay attention to the world around you and your feelings, thoughts, and actions.
- O — Open up: Allow feelings and thoughts to flow freely.
- P — Pursue values: Recall your values and find a way to act on them.