Somewhere between the first kiss and growing old together,
many couples experience dormant growth phases during their
relationship, leaving one, if not both partners with a need for
greater input, emotionally and/or physically.
The process of emotional growth is both independent, and
uncomfortable. To ideally maintain and promote harmony, each
partner must be willing to flex with the growth needs of the
other, while also contributing to the growth of the
relationship.
A long-lasting relationship is founded on
compassion, respect, and genuine love for your partner. These
qualities can – and should – be frequently expressed in a number
of ways, to reaffirm the value of the relationship. Continuously
seeking to re-invent the relationship by expressing appreciation
for your partner will solidify the connection between you.
To nudge your relationship out of the proverbial emotional
drought, here is a list of suggestions for adding more passion
into your relationship:
1. Reality check your partner.
Before doing anything to encourage the relationship, ask
yourself if your partner is good for you, and why. Know the
basic answers like the back of your hand. If you find yourself
unable or unwilling to admit value in your partner, you may be
in the wrong relationship.
2. Acknowledge the uniqueness
of the relationship through your partner. There is potential in
every moment to experience the greatest point of your
relationship. Showing appreciation for your partner’s uniqueness
further defines the relationship based on a broader attraction.
Communicate the acknowledgement of individuality of your partner
frequently, both emotionally and physically.
3. Make love
right now. Allow the sexual aspect of your relationship to
evolve into an activity of ultimate fulfillment, reserved only
for your partner. Instead of making love for your satisfaction,
make love for your partner, and allow them to do the same for
you.
4. Be friends, too. Would you be friends with your
partner, outside of the relationship? If you find the answer is
“no,” don’t worry – there’s always time to make new friends.
Identify activities you and your partner can do and enjoy
together. Participate in a third-party project, such as charity
work. Activities beyond intimacy will broaden, and therefore
strengthen, the foundation of your relationship.
5. Be
what you want to see. Demand no more out of your partner than
what you are willing to make out of life yourself. If you are
capable of great things – and you are – then get to work. Be
certain to test all seemingly realistic requirements on
yourself, before seeking to ask them of your partner.
6.
Form a pact to achieve excellence in some way. Whether it be a
physical health regimen, a bowling tournament, doing the taxes,
or managing a business together, forming a pact to achieve
excellence in a specific, tangible way will build trust between
partners. Commitment to a short-term goal is the best exercise a
relationship can get.
7. Love with your whole heart. All
too many times, past relationships keep us from loving with our
whole heart. If your relationship reality check is solid, ask
yourself how you’ve been holding back on your partner, and why.
Do you expect criticism, instead of acceptance? Recognize the
boundaries of your love, and identify positive ways to expand
them daily.
8. Improving yourself improves the
relationship. Self enrichment is an effective, important means
of perpetual contribution to your relationship. Expanding your
personal knowledge and interests will keep conversations
interesting and generate new ideas for growing together, through
new activities and experiences shared between partners.
Remember, there’s nothing wrong with taking care of you. The
more you have to give, the more there will be to share with your
significant other.
9. Explore diversity in faith,
culture, or politics. Diversity – and its acceptance – serve as
a cornerstone of any fulfilling, long-lasting relationship. Your
partner is likely to embrace at least some perspectives
different than your own with regard to religion, culture, or
political affiliation. Look to explore your partner’s diversity,
and openly accept the differences that make you both unique.
10. Don’t go to bed mad. Make it a point to resolve differences
before going to bed. Allowing arguments or heated discussions to
fester overnight can solidify emotions, while leaving the real
issues behind. In addition to promoting communication and
relationship stability, addressing differences before bed
reduces stress and promotes better sleep.
A meaningful,
fulfilling relationship is perhaps the greatest investment you
can make in both yourself, and your partner. As your
relationship grows, look for new ways to interact with each
other as you haven’t before. Each human represents a vast
Universe of knowledge and emotion waiting for exploration by
just one individual with the unwavering desire, patience, and
capacity to know them.
About the Author:
Jim D. Ray is a parapsychologist with a diverse background in
multiple subject concentrations, including business, psychology
and parapsychology, criminal justice, philosophy, education,
internet technology, physics, and vocal performance arts. Jim
can be reached by e-mail at: jray@web-presence.net.
