Five Simple Rules to Light Up Your Relationship

Relationships can stagnate for any number of reasons; however, one of the most common denominators seems to be losing touch with the person we love the most. We reach a certain level of comfort, and forget that all relationships need maintenance and care in order to last. The following behaviors can help you build and maintain a lasting relationship with the man you love.

1. L isten. This act demonstrates that you care and love your partner enough to hear them when they speak. Listening will make them feel important and valued. Listening will give them a sense of security and knowledge that they have someone when they need to be heard. The act of listening involves more than just hearing, however. You have to open your mind. If you have the attention or memory span of a flea, you will need to practice focusing on your man. Make mental notes, and keep a notebook if you need to, writing down important items as they are revealed in conversation. Listening involves dropping everything else and putting him. Turn off the TV. Put down the book. Look at him when he speaks. Ask questions if you don’t understand. Give feedback with an honest and open mind. Listening is one of the most important aspects in any successful relationship. Try it!

2. I ntent. Intention is a funny thing. Like dreams and wishes, intentions will not come true until you act. Therefore, it’s good practice to take stock of your intentions, and determine whether they line up with your actions, or just float out in the abyss. If you intend to do something for your partner, and you have voiced this intention, then by all means, make certain you follow through. If you intend never to hurt him, then don’t! If you intend to demonstrate how much you love him, then do! If you have to, review your intentions daily and take an active role in carrying out your intentions. Living up to your intentions not only builds character, it also displays commitment to your relationship, as well as yourself.

3. G iving. Generosity doesn’t necessarily involve all things material. You can give many things to your man that will not cost a cent. Giving puts into play your listening skills. When you listen to your beloved, you will get endless clues as to things that give him joy, or make him feel loved. Make him a favorite meal. Watch his favorite sport with him, without complaining or leaving the room! Tell him, out of the blue, something about him that makes you admire him. The tiniest acts can sometimes bring forth the best results! Giving of yourself demonstrates that you value your partner and relationship enough to invest time and energy into bringing him happiness, and building a stronger bond.

4. H onesty. Lying is for the weak. Lies are a destructive force that we hide behind when we are too afraid of living. Being honest means being honest with you, first and foremost. If you lie to yourself on a regular basis, then what incentive do you have to be honest with anyone else? Honesty, even about the smallest things, develops trust. Honesty demonstrates commitment to your man. Honesty involves carrying out your best intentions, and giving of yourself. You don’t have to tell lies in order to be loved. You don’t have to tell lies in order to make someone happy. Therefore, if you want him to know that he is loved, then be honest. About everything.

5. T ime. So often, in this frenetically-paced life, we forget to take time out for those we love. If you are constantly running from here to there, and seeing each other only in passing, then perhaps it’s time to hit the pause button. Take a few minutes during your work day to call and let him know he’s on your mind. Instead of running errands after work, go home and just spend some time hanging out together. Throw a few breaks in your routine once in a while, just to let him know you want to be in tune with him.

Building a solid relationship takes hard work, and solid commitment. Sometimes, it may seem that you’re doing all the work alone. However, in time, your actions will begin to produce changes, not only within the relationship, but also within yourself. Knowing how to be LIGHT is half the battle!