PROGRESS:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away - Maya Angelo
Progress: Love
As Valentine's Day is just around the corner, I'm sure it's no surprise that this issue of my ezine is devoted to the big L word- Love. I've been referred to as the 'Relationship Queen' by some of my friends but please bear in mind that this title wasn't given to me because my relationships were perfect, rather because I was always in one! But a few years ago, I found myself single after a 6 year relationship ended via text message! Talk about ouch!! It was never going to work but it was only afterwards that I realised why. I want to share with you the lessons I have learnt and taken with me from that experience.
TOP 5 TIPS FOR A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP
1. Love Yourself
I don't mean a vain, conceited self love rather a strong, healthy appreciation of who you are as an individual and what you bring to the relationship. By acknowledging your own worth, you are setting the standard for how you want your partner to treat you so ensure that you set it at the level that you truly deserve.
2. Know Your Partner's values
This is so important and is the root of most conflict in relationships. You must find out what is most important to you and to your partner. Your values shape your decisions and therefore the direction of your life. If there is a conflict in the values of two individuals, there will be a conflict in the relationship as you will be pulled in different directions. For example, if one individual valued adventure and freedom and his/her partner valued security and family- can you see how there could be conflict in the relationship?
3. Communicate
Talk to each other. Don't let issues fester and build up. If something is bothering you, ensure that you talk to your partner about it. If you can't talk openly about your needs and your feelings, then I would encourage you to ask yourself why not and perhaps look over tip number one.
4. Respect
If there is mutual respect, your relationship will be so much smoother. It is just so essential for a healthy relationship. An interesting thing however, is that people have different 'rules' about what respect means. For example, I may believe that you show the other person respect by being open and honest about your feelings, even if what you say be hurtful while my partner could believe that you show respect by never saying a bad word, raising your voice or by leaving the room if things got heated. If an argument occurred and I behaved my way and he behaved his way, we would both feel completely disrespected even though the intention on both sides was to be respectful! We are complex creatures which is why it is so important to understand tips two and three.
5. Enjoy time apart
Finally, enjoy time apart. Don't loose sight of who you are as an individual and morph into a 'we'! It tends to happen quite easily so keep an eye out! Nurture your relationships with your own friends and pursue your own interests. Your relationship needs to breathe and so do you!
About Me
My name is Paula Coogan and I am the owner of The Aspirations Coach, a Life and Career coaching business I set up in May 2011. My work is dedicated to supporting individuals in their 20’s and 30’s who have aspirations in any area of life. I firmly believe that we are all capable of so much more than what we currently think we are.
I am passionate about what I do and get such satisfaction from seeing my clients’ progress and reach their aspirations. I work with clients on a one-to-one basis for a minimum of 3 months, for more information please visit www.TheAspirationsCoach.com
E-mail: info@theaspirationscoach.com
Progress is a free fortnightly ezine designed to support individuals in their 20’s and 30’s who wish to progress in all areas of life. You'll get free tips to help you push forward and create your ultimate life today. To sign up, please visit my website and follow the instructions!
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