3 Ways to Boost Relationship Satisfaction
In our couple relationship, we strive to make our partner happy and hope that our partner will do the same for us. However, if our efforts do not meet this expectation, it does not mean that we are destined to be unhappy in the relationship. There are things we can do right now, individually, that will boost our relationship satisfaction.
Stop comparing your relationship to others. Whether it’s through social media or just the assumptions and judgments we make about other couples, it’s easy to make comparisons. “They seem like they never fight.” “They’re always having fun together.” These types of assumptions are unproductive and are often false. Every couple has times of struggle and challenges. There can be “dark days.” We cannot truly assume what the quality of a relationship is, based on what the relationship “appears” to look like. When we treat our assumptions as facts, then our thinking, feelings and behavior become unstable.
Check Your Expectations. At times our own unrealistic expectations set us up to be unhappy. That can happen because of the comparison and assumptions that have been mentioned. We may expect our relationship, our partner, and ourselves to have it together all the time. That’s unfair and realistically impossible. It sets us up for disappointment. You and your partner are going to make mistakes. Accept human imperfections. Challenge yourself to acknowledge all the strengths and enjoyments that your relationship possesses. If you think your expectations are realistic, then it’s important to share them with your partner. Uncommunicated expectations are as unlikely to be met as unrealistic expectations.
Practice Self-Care. To be at our best, we need to take care of ourselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually. If we are fulfilled as an individual, then we are happier and have more to give to others. It also can produce a reciprocal response from a partner. Take time to discover what things make you feel
happy and balanced, whether it’s learning something new, engaging in a favorite hobby, time with friends or quite time alone. Be sure to identify at least two or three options that effectively provide you with the energy boost and centering you need. Make this a priority! This is not selfishness. It is self-responsibility.
Research shows that it is normal for satisfaction levels to rise and fall throughout life. During different life stages and life transitions there can be stronger fluctuations in satisfaction. If you are consistently dissatisfied in your relationship, then therapy can help unravel the knots that keep you stuck in old painful ruts. If you are experiencing just occasional, mild dissatisfaction, then your dissatisfaction falls into the “normal” range in life. It can be encouraging to know that there are small things you can do, individually, to view your relationship in a more positive and more realistic light.
Article source (https://blog.prepare-enrich.com/author/ann/)
