Four Steps to Keep Your Relationship Satisfying

Let’s face it.  Relationships are tough, even if you have a near perfect relationship.  However, with a little help and some intention, you can keep your relationship satisfying and healthy throughout the years.  Take a look at these tips from an expert in counseling Indianapolis couples.

Step One:  Have fun!

Relationships by nature become more serious over the years as you add responsibilities, new challenges, and a history of conflict (be honest, you know you fight).  So, having fun becomes even more important as you grow together.  Whether you’re 20 or 65, start having fun.  Take walks together, hold hands, laugh, joke, wrestle, play games, watch movies, cook dinner together, have a glass of wine, sleep in, or stay up really late.  Be creative and come up with ideas you both enjoy.  Or, take turns doing activities only one of you loves.  Invite your partner to share something with you that you feel passionately about.  Teach him the importance of good skin care by wearing face masks together and teach her how all the buttons on the X-Box controller work and then play a game of NCAA Football.  Having fun doesn’t mean being perfect.  It means trying new things and laughing along the way.

Step Two: Be Passionate!

I’m not simply talking about sex.  Talk to one another about your desires, sexual and non-sexual.  Give massages, dance, surprise him with new lingerie.  Send each other emails with your favorite things about each other listed in them.  Cuddle, hug, caress.  Share the shower.  Lay in bed together and talk.  Kiss.  And of course, have sex.  Passion comes in many packages, so keep it exciting by mixing up the routine.

Step Three: Spend time with other people.

Being in a relationship isn’t a license to never see your friends again.  You each need time away from one another.  It’s okay for him to go out with his buddies and it’s okay for you to have a girls’ night.  Remember that you used to love spending time with your friends before you began your relationship, so continue to do so now that you’re in it!  Plus, being away from one another will give you time to recharge.  Being around the same person every day can be a challenge, so take time away.

Step Four: Check in with one another about your relationship.

Take time each month to talk about your relationship.  Ask your partner about new desires, issues, or conflicts that haven’t been resolved.  Find out if you need to spend more or less time together.  Ask what you can do to make the relationship better.  Being open and honest about the state of your relationship will keep it healthy and satisfying over time.  You won’t need to guess about what your partner needs because your partner will be telling you.

Written By: Kristie Watts

The author has her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy and is passionate about relational health, personal growth, and empowerment of individuals, couples, and families.  Her desire is to reach couples, families, and individuals in the Indianapolis, IN area through the writing and practice of Marriage and Family Therapy.