The beginning of a relationship can be a thrilling time. It’s also a fragile time.
Neither of you has invested a lot of time, so walking away is easier, wrote Squidoo.com.
Although it may feel you can do no wrong during the initial stages of a new relationship, here are 10 pieces of new relationship advice to create a healthy, long-lasting relationship.
Tip #1: Settle the past
Don’t carry past baggage into your new relationship. It’s not fair to either person.
Tip #2: Give it time
A new relationship can’t be rushed into if it is to reach its full potential. Most of the attributes necessary for a healthy, lasting romance take time to develop, like trust, understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and compatibility demonstrated through both good times and hard times, said eHarmony.
Tip #3: One day a week
Decide on one day a week you can spend together alone. Designating together-time is healthy for any relationship, wrote YourTango.com.
Tip #4: Give each other space
It’s possible to smother a new relationship. Pace yourself to ensure you aren’t overwhelming your new partner with expectations neither of you are ready for, said eHarmony.
Tip #5: Don’t say “I love you” too soon
Although a serious commitment is what you strive for, there’s no need for that type of pressure early on, said AskMen.com. Your new partner might feel forced to respond or may even reject you on the spot.
Tip #6: Don't talk about the future
Nothing freaks out a new partner like talk about marriage or kids too soon in the relationship. Just enjoy the way things are and in time, you’ll both know when it’s right to talk about the future.
Tip #7: Don’t forget your friends
Don't drop the friends who were with you before your new partner showed up, wrote YourTango.com.
Tip #8: Embrace honesty
A fundamental issue that is essential in any new relationship is honesty, said AskMen.com. Telling lies or omitting pertinent things about you will only lead to problems later on. Being honest about yourself is the only way to start a relationship that will last a long time.
Tip #9: Loosen up
Don't start a fight because he glanced at the attractive girl that just walked by. Likewise, he shouldn't get worked up if you talk about another man, reported YourTango.com.
Tip #10: Practice good communication
Don’t make assumptions or play guessing games. Being upfront with your feelings will prevent many conflicts, said YourTango.com. eHarmony added that there’s no such thing as an issue-free relationship. The trick is to discuss potential problems when they first arise and not ignore them until they’ve grown out of proportion. This gives your new romance every possible chance to last a long time.
Sources:
"Advice for Starting a New Relationship | DateORDisaster.com." Dating Tips - Men Seeking Women | DateORDisaster.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 June 2012.
http://www.dateordisaster.com/donny.html
Croft, Shawn. "Top 10: New Relationship Don'ts - AskMen." AskMen - Men's Online Magazine. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 June 2012.
http://www.askmen.com/top_10/dating_top_ten/59_dating_list.html
Hadley, Frank. "New Relationship Advice: 10 Basic Rules | YourTango." YourTango | Smart Talk About Love. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 June 2012.
http://www.yourtango.com/200913465/10-basic-rules-new-relationship
"New Relationship Advice." Squidoo: Welcome to Squidoo. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 June 2012.
http://www.squidoo.com/startinganewrelationship
"New Relationships: Five Tips to Help Them Flourish | eHarmony Advice." Dating Advice, Relationship Advice, and Free Dating Tips. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 June 2012.
http://advice.eharmony.com/relationships/relationship-advice/new-relationships-five-tips-help-them-flourish-0
Reviewed June 5, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith