Thursday, January 3, 2013

Staying Happy in a Relationship

Being a newlywed, I am constantly asked how married life is.  In a nutshell: being married changes absolutely nothing, other than your last name if you are the woman.  For me, being married is wonderful because my relationship with my husband prior to getting married was wonderful.

Being in a happy relationship starts with being happy by yourself.
Your partner's job is not to put on a clown nose and do circus acts for you.  They are not your source of entertainment or happiness.  You are.  Your significant other should be the cherry on top, someone who makes you a better person by supporting you and loving you for who you are.

Learn to pick and choose your battles
I bet you've heard that one before, huh?  You've probably heard it so much because it's true!  Luckily, not too much bothers me when it comes to the small stuff.  The next time you want to complain, for the 100th time, that the toilet paper should start at the underneath of the roll, not the top, and that you shouldn't squeeze the toothpaste from the top of the tube, but from the bottom. . .bite your tongue!  Learn to live with small things like this or leave.  If it is something that you really must open your mouth about, such as nearly tripping and falling on a pair of shoes left in the middle of the room, say, "Babe, could you please put your shoes away.  I almost tripped and fell on my face!"  Don't scream and shout about how you just nearly killed yourself on a pair of shoes carelessly left in the middle of a crowded area for 'everyone and their mum' to trip upon.  Ask them to be moved and it will be done.  Ta daaaa!

Some things cannot be resolved
We all have our imperfections.  If we were all perfect, life would be predictable and boring.  Imperfections are fun, yay!  Realize that not every issue may be solvable.  If you can't live with it, then move on.  Remember that you aren't perfect, either, and your significant other has decided to put up with your imperfections, too!

Everyone needs a little alone time
We all have bad days and we all need time to unwind.  Everyone is different when it comes to how much alone time they need, but we all need a little time alone.

Do things that make you happy
Simple as that.  Be optimistic, be happy.  You'll lead a healthier, more full life and will exude that to others as well.  Confidence and happiness is sexy!

Remember why you're together in the first place
Spend time together.  It doesn't need to be anything crazy or amazing.  In fact, the small things are what mean the most.  Especially when you live together, you're not always going to do fun, new, exciting things.  Enjoy one another's company.  Besides, that's why you're dating them in the first place.

Above all: forgive
It's easier said than done, but holding in a grudge isn't healthy for you or your relationship.  Communication is key in any relationship.  Don't forget that everyone makes mistakes, and we all need forgiveness every now and again.  Be honest and open with one another -- and forgive, forgive, forgive.


Last but not least for my married or serious couples out there that sleep together (and by sleep I do literally mean the snoring, drooling, not-very-cute-lookin' kind): don't hog all the covers!

Stay happy, my friends. :)

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