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TIPS TO KEEPING YOUR RELATIONSHIP ALIVE BY JOANN ‘JOJO’ VENANT
I point the finger at every fairytale ever told. I blame it on the movies. I call out every feel-good rom-com that painted being in love as the ultimate life achievement. And oh, Disney, you're not off the hook! Each story, each movie, though embroiled in conflict initially, somehow magically wraps up with the picture-perfect ending. And what’s that ending always wrapped up in? Love! The immaculate, flawless love that we all supposedly need. These stories have ingrained in us the illusion that our wholeness and our ultimate happiness are tied to finding our ‘one true love.’ Want to know what no one talks about–all of the hard work that this ‘fairytale’ actually takes! What about the pivotal communication skills they never teach you in school? And what about the individual healing we all need before intertwining our lives with another? No one ever talks about the hard stuff. I’m talking about the difficult, nitty-gritty aspects of maintaining a relationship that seem to be left in the shadows. Let’s look a little deeper into what it really takes to keep the relationship going!
1) Flirt in the Open: Keep the PDA Alive - It should be common practice. It's not about those cringe-worthy, over-the-top displays that leave folks gasping. It's about a gentle squeeze of the hand, an unexpected peck, or even that knowing glance shared across a crowded room. How about a kiss on the cheek for no reason at all? How about a hug at a park after a stroll? Such small moments of affection reaffirm your bond, showing the world the genuine connection you share. Relationships need to keep that contact alive, and not just save it for the bedroom.
BY PRESERVING AND NURTURING YOUR UNIQUE SELF, YOU GIVE YOUR RELATIONSHIP A GENUINE FLAVOR AND PROVIDE A TEMPLATE FOR MUTUAL RESPECT. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
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