By RMHP
Can you love your way to a healthy life?
According to several studies on the subject of relationships and health, good relationships are one of the key components to health and well-being. So, it makes sense that we should actively work on our relationships, just like we strive to eat better and be more active.
Maintaining healthy relationships takes a lot of effort, so read up on these seven relationship tips. Your loved ones, and your health, will thank you!
All of the relationship advice in the world won’t do much if you aren’t prioritizing your relationships. Whether you’re trying to be a better friend, partner, or parent, the first step is to set aside time in your daily life to focus on the people you love.
Over time, it becomes easier to assume that our partners know what we want, and that we know what they want. Unfortunately, mind reading isn’t a real superpower. That’s why it’s so important to ask for what we want and to ask our loved ones what they really want.
In a similar vein, it’s important to ask open-ended questions. A simple question like, “What was the best part of your day?” will help you get to know the person you love, and they’ll feel loved in return.
Asking questions isn’t enough — we also need to listen! Nodding your head and saying, “Uh huh” doesn’t cut it. When someone you love is speaking, actively listen. Ask questions and get engaged with the conversation. You’ll be amazed by how quickly quality conversations develop.
Popular relationship advice always seems to focus on communication, but there’s something much more important in relationships: respect.
Author Mark Manson interviewed people about their secrets to a healthy relationship, and he noticed a trend. People who had been married for decades often spoke about the importance of respect for their partners… and for themselves.
Everyone argues. Yes, even that seemingly perfect couple down the street. Arguments can even help deepen a relationship as long as there’s an underlying element of deep respect.
However, most people argue using obvious emotions like anger and frustration. That’s surface level stuff based on immediate reactions, so focus on the feelings that are driving those reactions. Feeling disrespected, loneliness, and insecurity can all be the deeper reasons behind an argument.
So, when you do argue with a loved one, it’s important to ask and try to understand the “why” behind the feelings (both theirs and your own). You might not like or agree with the answers, but that’s not the goal. The goal is to get vulnerable with each other.