5 Simple Ways To Master Relationships Without Losing Yourself

You want a relationship that’s healthy but not at your own expense. There are many ways to start but let’s keep it simple. In this blog, you’ll learn five ways to master healthy relationships without losing yourself in the process.  

1. Make Yourself Happy First

In the beginning of a relationship everything is new and exciting. Your needs are met and you think it’ll always be this good. That's why they call it the honeymoon period. Making relationships healthy requires shifting expectations. No one can fulfill your every need.

Here are some expectations that can cause trouble.

• Expecting one person to fulfill most (or all) of your needs.

• Expecting someone to change who they are for you.

• Expecting someone to give more than they actually do.

• Expecting someone to know what you want without telling them.

Without a strong sense of self, a new relationship can become addictive. Feeling good because you’re in a relationship is normal but feeling good only when you're in a relationship is not.

Relying on someone else to make you happy gives them all the power.

Tip: Keep up with personal hobbies and friendships to maintain your own identity. You have to create a life before you can share it with someone else.

2. More Positivity, More Intimacy

The daily grind of balancing work and family is exhausting. Couples who can’t manage stress tend to take it out on each other. The Gottman Couples Institute says that healthy couples have a 5:1 ratio of positive verse negative interactions. In other words, when the majority of interactions are positive, the relationship is secure.

Focusing on what’s good takes diligence. It creates a sense of integrity that's hard to replace.

Tip: Find ways to acknowledge your partner regularly. Even saying please and thank you goes a long way. When you focus on the good, there is usually more of it.

3. Communicate without Blame

Most of us are not taught how to be accountable but instead we learn how to avoid it. In relationships, blaming binds us together in a way. By telling a good story and focusing on your hurt, you get to be right. 

Blaming invites a defensive response. The other person feels attacked and the arguments get worse. Making negative assumptions about the other person increases anger while nothing gets resolved. 

Blame destroys any chance you have of being heard. This is how most relationships start to fall apart. Blame is the fastest way to kill communication and trigger anger. 

Tip: Start your communications with an "I statement" that focuses on what you need or what's bothering you. Speaking up for yourself can help you feel empowered.

"I need to talk to you, can we make some time tonight?"

"I've had a really rough day, could you please help with the dishes tonigh

4. Manage and Share Your Stress 

Did you know that sharing your stress increases intimacy? Studies show that couples who can talk openly about their stress stay more connected. Share what's happening outside of the relationship instead of focusing on what’s wrong with each other.

Ignoring stress hurts you and changes the emotional vibe of the home. Kids pick up on unspoken feelings and by not voicing them, the kids assume it's their fault. 

Tip: Don't assume that hiding stress protects you or your family. Sharing your stress in a constructive way helps you decompress after a long day and feel supported. 

5. Stay Connected to Your Tribe

Having your own support system is vital for a relationship to stay healthy. When someone demands all of your time or discourages you from spending time with family and friends, that can be a sign of abuse.

Spending every minute together is exciting at first but that shouldn't be the norm. Preserving your alone time prevents an unhealthy dependency that hurts you in the long run.

Tip: Strive to keep a healthy balance between self-care and the needs of the relationship. If you're giving up too much, that's a bad sign.

Final Thoughts

When I compare my relationships to what they were 15 years ago the biggest difference is that I don't expect others to make me happy. When you feel content within yourself, relationships naturally improve.

There is less pressure because that person isn't your only source of joy. So, now that you have some tools, start practicing them. When you do what's right for you, it promotes healthy intimacy for the relationship.

---