How to build a good foundation in a relationship
1) Communication.
Tons of it. Share your happiness, sadness, joy, everything.
Do not be afraid of quarrels - they actually can improve a relationship because you can know your differences from there and be determined to work it out from there.
2) Embrace his/'her flaws.
Most people accept the relationship because s/he can see the potential that s/he can make you happy & have wonderful strengths that you admire.
However, no one is perfect and s/he has flaws too.
There is no way that you can change a person because you claim that you love him, so he should do this and that.
Your SO is an unique individual and that's how special he is (or according to the MCYS commerical, "Beautifully Imperfect").
Instead of focusing on what s/he can't do for you, focus on the wonderful strengths that s/he has.
If s/he doesn't do what you think that s/he should do as a lover, bear in mind that it doesn't mean your SO is not showing his/her love the way you want to = s/he doesn't love you.
In fact, your SO do. A whole lot. :)
3) Be yourself.
It seems that it's a trend in relationship - the pursuing + honeymoon stage, the guy will do anything for the girl just to make her happy.
Presents, gifts, very patient to listen to her and give her attention.
The girl will appear like a 'little woman', happy by his side & don't appear to have any other emotions other than happiness & bliss.
Then after a few months, the guy realises that it's so tiring to maintain this, he makes lesser effort & feels upset when he perceive it's his fault when his girl complain.
The girl realises that her SO seems to be less patient in listening to her and don't do sweet things anymore.
Don't be someone that you are not during early stages of relationship.
Be yourself genuinely and show your love.
Someone who loves you for who you are, flaws & all, will appreciate your genuinity, not all the "gimmicks" that you have shown during courtship.
4) Trust.
Don't kick a fuss if your SO is not wearing the couple-ish things that you asked him/her to wear.
Trust him/her, that since both of you are committed in this relationship, s/he will do the right things and protect themselves against other possible suitors.
Ladies must take note that men do appreciate trust alot, because they like to lead & be the one who have the resources to solve things.
Hence, nagging all the time at your SO doesn't really work because he may perceive it that he is unable to do things right.
This is more applicable to long term relationships
1) Keep the passion alive.
There will definitely be a plateau after some months of honeymoon.
1st few months is when each other do tons of things to make each other feel loved and happy, then gradually after 1-2 years some people may take it for granted and be less patient & less willing to work out the relationship.
Love is a life long commitment, and it always take 2 hands to clap.
Take time out, to tell your SO how much you appreciate him/her, give her/him surprises every now and then.
2) Don't keep record of wrongs.
Forgive & forget.
No one is perfect, so why be so picky on the one that you love the most?
Record of wrongs are terribly toxic in a relationship.
3) Remember to love yourself.
People in long term relationship often don't realise that they have come to depend on their SO so much that they forgot how to love themselves.
Take time off, spend some me-time on reading/writing/reflecting and pamper yourself.
Afterall in the end, you are capable of making yourself happy too!
