2 for 1 eating out in Edinburgh
Join in the informed book club 7 Steps to a Happy Relationship
SEVEN STEPS TO A HAPPY RELATIONSHIP Be honest and trusting
Learning to trust someone and being honest with them may take time. But these are vital ingredients in any healthy relationship. As you spend more time with someone and start to share experiences together, your level of trust will usually increase.
Keep communicating
It’s really important to keep the lines of communication open, click here to find out how to effectively talk to men, This may mean talking regularly about what’s happening in your life and how you feel about it. When people share their opinions and feelings they gradually develop a greater understanding of each other's characters and needs. It may also help you keep a clear idea of what each is wanting from the relationship.
Try to be accepting of differences
It is not uncommon to care about someone who has different ideas, interests and opinions to your own. But sometimes it can be difficult managing difference. It may be helpful to calmly discuss those differences or it may also be appropriate to agree to disagree. Respecting someone else's choices and opinions may help them to respect yours.
Respect each other's space
Being together is important in getting to know each other and it can also be great fun. But giving each other space from time to time is also important. Enjoying the company of a number of people like your friends, and not just the person who you are having a relationship with, may help you to expand your interests and give you lots of new things to share. This may also help your relationship continue to grow and be fun and interesting.
Spend time with yourself
Spending time with yourself is essential in our busy lives. It can help you to connect with your own feelings and at the same time help you understand your relationships with others. Being by yourself doesn't mean you are alone, you are with yourself. You may want to think about what and where you want to go in life and whom you might want to take with you.
Manage arguments or differences of opinions
It’s natural that people sometimes have differences of opinion. When we disagree with each other we may feel angry or frustrated. Not letting someone know your opinion, not having your opinion heard or having to accept someone's opinion without discussion may add to your frustrations and may make a relationship difficult. It is a good idea to express your opinions, let the other person know that you are listening to them and try to reach an understanding between the two of you. You might choose to:
> Respect their right to an opinion but not accept their opinion
> Agree to disagree
> See the other person’s point of view
> Accept that your opinion needs to change
When the going gets tough remind yourself that we are all different and the world would be all the poorer if we were all the same! Striving to embrace those differences, especially between ourselves and the people we like, can strengthen our own character and make our relationships healthier and stronger.
Relationship Counselling Support in Edinburgh
If you are having problems in your relationships counselling can help you change and adjust to your current social situation by empowering you to respond differently to stressful situations whether at work or at home. The counsellor will work with you for you to make changes in your behaviour and response to others. Resolving stress can lead to the resolution of problems and a healthier life. Counselling is usually of limited duration of between 6 to 20 sessions.
Related article - Government seeks secrets of keeping happy (Guardian), Click here
Useful Books and Sites
Relate offer advice, relationship counselling, sex therapy, workshops, mediation, consultations and support face-to-face, by phone and through their website. Click here to visit....
Informed Book Choice: Relationships: An Open and Honest Guide to Making Bad Relationships Better and Good Relationships Great 
Click here to return to the informedwomen home page
If YOU have any tips on how to keep your relationship happy, why not share them? Click here to visit our forums or why not post a quick comment below....
Post new comment