10 Behaviors of Successful Relationships

Approximately 124.6 million American adults are single, despite the rise of online dating.

There are many factors contributing to this factor, especially in a societal manner. Communication through technology has allowed people to have more options than ever. Those in relationships exhibit various behaviors that drive the future of the bond.

To make romantic partnerships work, each person must put effort into his routine and relationship behaviors.

It’s more than just chemistry or attraction. Behavior in a relationship is crucial to its success.

Here are the top 10 romantic behaviors that can help make a relationship work:

1. Positivity

It may seem extremely simple, but having a positive attitude brings happiness in a relationship.

Sure, being pessimistic has its uses, except for in relationships.

A negative attitude can create stress on spouses and breed more negativity. It may be easier said than done, however.

If you find yourself in a negative mindset, it’s up to you to try and change it.

This relationship behavior is important to focus on as it’s the foundation of the bond. Positivity is an ongoing process with no immediate switch.

2. Communication

Another top behavior in relationships is the ability to communicate anything and everything. When the relationship is starting, it’s important to set expectations and desires.

Communication won’t always be easy. And it won’t always be the most comfortable of subjects. Being on the same page with your partner can help prevent disagreements and lead to compromises.

This behavior is essential in the relationship development. A partner willing to listen and be receptive contributes to a healthy relationship.

3. Boundaries

Every person has boundaries that make him feel comfortable and safe. Communicating these boundaries to your partner is essential and should be respected.

Some people may have stricter boundaries than others. It’s up to them to set them clearly and immediately if necessary.

Once boundaries are set, make it clear to your partner. If not, he may believe that he has an excuse to step over these boundaries.

4. Conflict

Like it or not, conflict arises in any relationship. However, this doesn’t mean that the relationship is over.

It is a myth that a perfect relationship has no conflicts.

Conflict doesn’t always equal arguments. It rather involves disagreements or misunderstandings.

It should be seen as an opportunity to mature and grow the relationship. Both sides should communicate their feelings and respect one another’s view, even when it may be difficult to do so.

Deciding to confront conflict head-on is the key. If you ignore the problem, it can result in a bigger fight and more feelings hurt.

Conflict is one of the toughest relationship behaviors to master, but it’s important to keep in check.

5. Self-Care

Self-care is a huge part of relationship behaviors as it leads to how healthy the relationship will be.

One-sided relationships can become a hardship on both parties involved. Self-care can be done in a variety of ways.

Caring for oneself plays a role in how much time and attention can be spent on the other person. Partners should be independent enough to take care of themselves and their own well-being.

Again, communication is key to let the other know how you’re feeling.

6. Priorities

Once in a relationship, both partners should put it before themselves.

Note that this is not suggesting that self-care can be looked over. Instead, it’s one of the relationship behaviors that involve partners becoming a singular unit.

Both parties should consider the other when making decisions.

If one person becomes too independent, it can seem like he doesn’t care. Partners should be inclusive and willing to share opportunities and moments together.

7. Respect

One of the most crucial relationship behaviors is respect.

Listening and understanding play a large role. If a partner tries to persuade the other to change his mind about something important to him, he’s not being respectful.

Some things are meant to be private. Respecting a loved one requires patience and boundaries to be adhered to.

People are not immediately entitled to know each and everything about one another once they get into a relationship. Respecting one another leads to trust.

8. Sharing Experiences

A relationship is all about sharing with each other. Both partners should want to share experiences together.

That’s not to say that all experiences should be fun. Instead, making sure the effort is not one-sided is the key. A partner who’s not fully committed to creating experiences for the other should be viewed as a red flag.

Not only should experiences be shared, but social circles should be as well. Meeting a spouse’s family and friends can be scary, but it’s a large part of a relationship moving forward.

9. Loyalty

In a healthy relationship, partners need to be reliable and trustworthy.

Of course, loyalty should not have to be tested for one to know it is there. Being loyal means being respectful of your partners’ weaknesses and not taking advantage of them.

Loyalty also means not sharing a spouse’s secrets or private details with other people. Spouses should want to be reliable to each other and keep the promises they said they would.

10. Pacing

A relationship should be balanced and paced in a way that makes it comfortable for both parties. Pressure should not be applied for a partner to do anything they do not want to, including sex.

Many people may tell you to avoid spending too much time together or having sexual relations on the first date. Luckily, it’s up to the partners to decide their pacing, not them.

It can become uncomfortable if one person in the relationship wants to go faster than the other. If this is the case, communicate boundaries and let the other person know if they’re moving too fast.

Relationship Behaviors That Equal Success

Creating a loving and lasting partnership isn’t always easy. Healthy relationship behaviors are those that make each partner comfortable and able to grow as part of a couple.

Not every relationship will be successful. Those that are successful happen when two people agree to communicate, be loyal, and absolve their conflicts properly.

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