5 Tips to Ensure Your Relationship Will Thrive in Tough Times

1. Make it a Priority

It’s hard for anything to thrive if you don’t act like it’s a priority for you. This reality is especially true when it comes to romantic relationships. You can give it all the lip service in the world, but if the relationship doesn’t hold precedent in your life, lip service won’t go very far.

Think about what you do when something is a priority to you. You make room for it in your schedule. You follow through on your promises. This example shows up in many parts of life — career, physical exercise and health, hobbies, time with your kids, etc.. If you don’t set aside a specific time to make these things happen, you know those areas will suffer.

The same goes for your relationship. It’s isn’t always fun, and it’s not always pretty. But consistently showing up will go a long way to ensure your relationship will thrive.

2. Communicate

Ah, communication!  This portion can be the bane of many relationships and the butt of many jokes. But it is possible to nurture a deep level of communication that will get you through tough times. Therapists know the importance of something called active listening. This approach facilitates a more empathetic and understanding flow of communication between partners. And it’s easy to learn.

3. Encourage Openness

Rigidity and inflexibility aren’t good for any relationship, whether romantic or not. When you’re with someone for the long haul, keeping an attitude of openness is vital. You need to be open to working through problems.

Both of you will change with time. Expecting someone to be the same person you knew when they were twenty isn’t realistic when they’re forty. You’ll always have different opinions on some topics. And this is okay.

4. Grow Together

Amid tough times, try to look for the good that might come from your struggles together. You may develop more deep-seated resilience and persistence when it’s hard. There are things both of you can learn that can draw you together, if you let them.

On the lighter side, you can also try to find time to learn something new and fun together. Try out your partner’s favorite hobby, like cooking or yard work. Explore a couple’s art class or cooking class. Make room for newness.

5. Stay Connected

Many of the above tips will help you stay connected and ensure your relationship will thrive. But remember to maintain the intimate connection that relationships need purposefully. Be intentional about setting time aside to spend with each other.

Kids and work can push you apart without you even realizing it. Create daily rituals that help you reconnect. Attend to your sex life, even if you’re tired. Look for the good in your partner and tell them often how much they mean to you.

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Tough times will happen to everyone. But they don’t have to tear you apart or cause irreparable damage. They can make your relationship stronger.

If your relationship is going through a rough patch, also remember to consider the usefulness of couples counseling. It can make a world of difference. Please call my office to find out more about how I can help both of you thrive.