We get it. After dating someone for a while, it can feel a little too comfortable. Your dating habits while trying to impress someone new and getting to know them can be really different from how you act further along in a relationship. Hey, it’s only natural!
But, that’s not an excuse to get lazy and not keep putting in the work. Just like balancing eating right, working out and supporting your mental health is good for you. Once you have a good foundation, it takes effort to maintain it. Big picture: the key is to never stop dating each other.
To help keep the spark alive, we put together a list of things that should be part of a healthy relationship—no matter how long you’ve been together.
- Share New Experiences
Trying new things or teaching each other something keeps things interesting. Experiencing something new together makes it that much more special. And no matter how long you’ve been together, we guarantee that you don’t know everything about each other. Using prompts like the ones in We’re Not Really Strangers is a great way to learn more about someone and ask questions you may not have thought of.
- Put Each Other First
Prioritizing someone isn’t just through words; it’s mainly with actions. Being in a partnership isn’t about asking them for permission or approval to do something. It’s all about respecting them and their boundaries and doing what’s best for both of you at the moment. Will there be times when other things take priority? Of course, that’s life! But, as long as you openly communicate during those times, you’ll be able to navigate it together.
- Encourage Growth
Having the motivation to grow as a person and actioning it is sexy. There, we said it. Working on yourself, having a passion or discovering a hobby makes you a better person and allows you to show up as a better partner.
- Know and Understand Their Love Language(s)
This is potentially overlooked but is just as important as open and honest communication. Knowing how you and your partner show love and prefer to receive love is really helpful to understand. It can help you clearly show your partner some love and gives them the opportunity to show love to you in the best way for you. As a refresher, the 5 love languages are:
- Words of affirmation
- Quality time
- Acts of service
- Gifts
- Physical touch
- Be Independent
It might seem counterintuitive to spend time apart to get closer, but it’s a great thing—within reason, of course. Spending time with friends and having time to yourself is important for you and also helps you show up as a better partner. And encouraging and supporting your partner to do the same. Being strong individually makes you stronger together. Plus, when you do spend time apart, it gives you the opportunity to miss each other a little.
We hope this helps you create and maintain healthy relationships in your life; whether with new dates, friends, family or long-term partners. Of course, there’s more that goes into relationships, but this is a good start to build a strong foundation.
Ready to start a new healthy relationship? If you aren’t on POF yet, what’re you waiting for?
