There’s more to keeping a relationship going than simply buying expensive Valentine’s gifts.
Valentine's Day on Female First
So if your relationship isn’t all hearts and flowers this Valentine’s, here’s some top advice on how to achieve a healthy relationship from relationship expert and author Paul Bird.
He says: “When relationships deteriorate, couples tend to blame each other for the emotional temperature change and start criticising each other, focusing on what’s wrong with their partner and how their partner needs to change. To sustain a relationship, both parties have to look in the mirror and consider how they can change rather than just demanding change in their partner.
“People in relationships should focus on the 7 E’s:
Engagement - being honest with each other about what they want from their relationship
Exchange - focusing on what they each put into the relationship not what they separately take out
Equality - developing mutual trust and respect
Empathy - taking responsibility for each other’s emotional wellbeing and overcoming self interest
Encouragement - supporting each other in difficult times
Expression - talking openly about their true feelings and thoughts and not bottling things up
Enjoyment - taking time out to enjoy quality time together
Paul adds, “Relationships should not need constant analysis but from time to time we all need a relationship MOT. The problem is that couples don’t know where to start and conversations about improving the relationship can easily turn into heated arguments.”
tagged in Love relationships Dating Tips Valentine's Day