Rule #2. Address conflicts fairly. When fighting with your partner, avoid aiming to be right or winning the argument. Instead, be emotionally mature. Practice compassion and fairness.
Rule #3. Keep the intimacy alive. Being intimate doesn’t only mean engaging in physical affection. There’s emotional and intellectual intimacy, too. Nurture intimacy in the relationship by showing appreciation, staying curious about each other, and sharing experiences.
Rule #4. Hold up your end of the deal. A relationship needs two to tango, so make sure you do your part, especially when it comes to the chores.
Rule #5. Discuss difficult topics. At some point in time, your incompatibilities will create a crack in the relationship. Before it completely breaks you apart, have a talk about it.
Rule #6. Don’t compare your partner to your ex, to other people, and to past versions of themselves. Comparisons are disrespectful, and a healthy relationship doesn’t have room for such undermining behavior.
Rule #7. Create a plan. Right from the get-go, you and your partner should talk about what your couple goals are, how would you handle conflict together, and how each of you fit into the other’s future.
Rule #8. Accept your individual differences. No matter how hard you try, you can’t mold your partner to become your ideal of them. They are their own person, and all you can do is embrace that.
Rule #9. Foster friendship. True friends support, respect, and listen to each other. When you treat your partner like how you would your friend, you can be sure that your relationship will go a long way.
Rule #10. Value self-development. Being in a relationship doesn’t mean you lose yourself to be one with your partner. Both of you need to cultivate personal growth to help your relationship blossom.
From the book 'Closer to Love.'
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