10 Tips For a Successful Relationship from a couples counselor!

What's the key to a successful relationship? Some say that truly is the “million-dollar” question. Sometimes it's just the simple things that we easily forget or think are unimportant that hold the key to a healthy and happy relationship. Read through the helpful tips below on how to make your relationship go the distance. These tips are directly related to couples counseling sessions and reflect real life solutions for many of the couples I've worked with in therapy.

• Without quality time together, your relationship will not survive. Aim to devote at least half an hour a night, and at least a couple of days a month when the two of you spend time exclusively together.

• You both want to feel secure within the relationship. A good relationship is built on compromise and a lot of give and take from both of you.

• Often those little things that first attracted you to your partner can turn into nasty annoying habits. Learn to love your partner, warts and all. Don't try to change them into something they're not, after all you fell in love with them just the way they were.

• Money is one of the top conflicts between most couples. For the relationship to work, you need to address your finances and maybe even work out a budget.

• Learn to argue well. Never say something to your partner that you wouldn't want to hear said back. Don’t listen to respond, listen to understand.

• Communication is vital to all healthy relationships. Listen to your partner and avoid blame and judgment. Don't let your emotions dictate your behavior. Remember just talking things over can help you to both have a deeper understanding of each other.

• Sort out your sex life, if you are in a romantic relationship. There will be times when sex is put on the back burner. Communicate with your partner your expectations.

• Try to keep your dependence and independence in balance. Tell your partner how much you need them, but don't get too dependent on them and cling to them all the time, as that can make your partner feel trapped. On the flip side of this, don't allow your partner to think you don't need them, by going or doing things without them. Try to keep a happy and healthy balance between the two.

• Learn to forgive. If you know you will never forgive your partner over something important, and feel the trust can never be regained then give yourself, and them a break and start again, with someone new.

• Don't ever think that going to counseling is a sign of a failed relationship. It can turn a bad relationship around and can also turn an average relationship into an excellent one. More and more people are turning to individual and couples counseling today than ever before, it shows you are both prepared to try and make things better, which can't be a bad thing at all.

The fact remains, that whether you're dating or married, relationships are hard. It takes 100% commitment from both of you. However, healthy and long-lasting relationships are achievable and many couples have proven just that. Not everything is always going to be perfect but if you both choose to make it work then it can. And remember it's the little things that you sometimes do that can go a long way to making your relationship work.

Want to learn more about how to make your relationship work long into the future? We offer a marriage masterclass in addition to couples and individual counseling. Schedule a free consult or session easily using our online portal. Hope to hear from you soon!

Corinne