Healthy Patterns in Couples
Relationships can be difficult! We are by nature, selfish people. We are naturally self-centered. Marriage, specifically, however, was designed to pull you out of that selfishness by committing to love another more than yourself. This is beautiful and so selfLESS! But so many people get into relationships for other reasons. They get married or are in a relationship so the other person can fulfill and satisfy them. When the other person does not fulfill them, they think the other person needs to change.
Here is a list of patterns that happy couples report they do:
- They prayed together
- They practice being selfLESS and their ultimate goal is to will the good of the other.
- They have boundaries with family and friends. They put their relationship first and have clear boundaries with family and friends. They do not vent to family about issues or make decisions based on what their families want. They choose to do what is best for their partnerships.
- They are friends. Friendship was the basis of their relationship and they continue to work to make being friends a priority. They find ways to spend time together with a weekly meeting, or a check-in each day or a date night.
- They have been through tough times, yet they choose to stay together and work through it.
- They let each other be themselves. There is a base level of respect and admiration for each other rather than a desire to change each other. This freedom brings out the best parts of them. They make light of each other’s quirks.
- They at least try, to have those difficult conversations. They intentionally try not to cope by avoiding or denying.
- They choose to love you every day
For more tips and guidance on how to improve your marriage or relationship, contact Therapy Solutions to talk to one of our mental health counselors and Take Your Life Back!