In my experience with couples in relationships, it’s usually the little things that count when it comes to having a healthy relationship.
For instance, let's say you and your spouse have been married for five years and are still very much in love. Of course, you have arguments and disagreements, as every couple ultimately experiences.
Lately, though, you’ve noticed that you've been getting frustrated with each other over the little things.
Sadly, many relationships end over trivial matters that escalate over time. So how can couples stop these trivialities from creeping in between them?
Here are 3 tiny traits you absolutely must have to maintain a healthy relationship:
Ability to communicate effectively
Deal with irritations as they appear. Your partner leaves their socks lying on the floor? An obsessive TV habit that’s driving you crazy? Tell your partner how it makes you feel. Verbalize what is important to you. But do this sensitively and tactfully!
Ability to make an effort to change
OK, so your partner has told you that you need to close the lid on the toothpaste, so now what? Do it! Even if it means that you need to make that little bit more of an effort, remember how important it is to your partner and your relationship. And in return, you will find that your partner will take special care in trying to stop habits that frustrate you.
Ability to practice gratitude
Notice the effort that your partner is making to keep you happy and verbalize that. Thank your partner — not once or twice, but every time you see them attempting to change a habit, and let them know you appreciate it!
What happened to love and romance?
For example, you're a tidy person, so it is frustrating when your spouse leaves dishes in the sink or clothes lying on the floor. And your spouse gets annoyed when you let the dogs in the bedroom. But you both brush these frustrations aside. How bad can conflict get over annoying little habits? Left alone, one year down the line, the two of you could end up arguing incessantly and have little patience for each other. You decide to seek marriage counselling to solve these insurmountable issues and bring you closer together once again.
However, this conflict situation could have been nipped in the bud if the two of you had only dealt with your frustrations earlier on in the marriage. Remember that it takes individual bricks to build a brick wall, so if you only deal with each brick one at a time as it stacks up, you wouldn't have had a wall of resentment and frustration to contend with.
Try this relationship advice, and you will see that you will feel more loving to your partner, and this will bring you closer together. Remember: it’s the little things that count!
Latest Stories
-
Our policies are youth-centered, necessary for development – Bawumia
7 mins -
US Army Major convicted for smuggling guns to Ghana disguised as rice and home goods
32 mins -
#WAFFEST2024: Ghana leads charge in promoting African cuisines on the global stage
37 mins -
Music industry lacks peace since I joined – Davido
38 mins -
Consumer financial education: Demystifying personal loan structure
43 mins -
Ejisu by-election: Voting underway
58 mins -
Africa can only attract development finance with sustainable debts – Seth Terkper
1 hour -
Today’s front pages: Tuesday, April 30, 2024
1 hour -
ReFinD initiative funds 17 projects to boost digital financial inclusion
1 hour -
I’m not a front-runner to be Bawumia’s running mate, says Bryan Acheampong
1 hour -
Mobile money sales boy accused of over GH¢1.3m theft – Court awaits AG’s direction
1 hour -
EC’s stolen BVR kits, laptops: One granted bail, three still on remand
2 hours -
Dela Seade assumes role as CEO for Black Sheep Foundation
2 hours -
West Africa Food Festival uniting the continent – Africa Chefs Alliance President
2 hours -
Over 40 health facilities completed under Akufo-Addo’s tenure, Okoe-Boye reveals
3 hours