Valentine's Day, the day of love, relationship memes, and half-price chocolate. Ironically, you don't need anyone to enjoy two of those things, but it's Valentine's Day. It's supposed to be a time of remembrance of your love for somebody.
To make sure that happens, these are ways on how to ensure that you and your significant other (or soon to be) will enjoy these things this Valentine's Day or any other day for that matter. These will sound cliche, but that just stresses their importance. Some of these don't just apply to relationships with like boyfriend/girlfriend. We all have relationships and friendships with family, friends, and for some, a significant other. Life is a cruise full of memories and rough waters, and it is up to us to keep our ships afloat by doing some of these things.
1. Knowing your significant more than yourself.
It always surprises me how two people can start dating within weeks of meeting each other. I'm sorry, but love at first sight rarely occurs. Chances are during the relationship you discover something about the other that could potentially drive you away from them. It's important to take the time to get know others before you start committing to them. The thought of that scares most of us for several reasons, but that's life.
And a significant other who is also your best friend is definitely worth having.
2. Showing Empathy
We all know that no relationship is perfect. Every relationship is bound to have some bumps along the way, and empathy is the main way to prevent a bump from becoming a total crash. We all have these giant egos that try to always best the other in an argument. Of course, it is very hard to put aside our egos, and our very President has proven that. However, I don't think relationships stay afloat until you and your significant other trade egos. You really have to go above and beyond for each other sometimes. "I thought I can handle my issues alone. That's what our demons want us to believe." - Lindsey Stirling.
3. Being appreciative and apologetic.
This is one of the very few cases where words can have a bigger impact than action. Let's face it. We're all very stubborn, selfish, and spoiled sometimes, yet despite that, there are people like your significant other that still value you for what you really are. To make sure people see that in you, you have to say "thank you" and "sorry", and actually mean it. We're all just as capable of being good people than being bad. You'd be surprised how far proper manners and sincerity with others will get you life.
4. Giving more than just the flowers and chocolates.
Yes, gifts are important especially on the special days like Valentine's Day and anniversaries, but there are really less than ten days that require gifts on a yearly basis. Obviously, it is very nice to give gifts throughout the year, but clearly, there's a limit on that. We'd all love to be made out of money, but we're not. However, it doesn't cost a dime to be kind. Being a good human being is free. Relationships are all about being the best friend life calls for. You can never put a price tag on a friend. The only way you earn a best friend like that is by being one. With that being said, take a look at this Instagram post.
Would you date this person? Over 40,000 probably would.
5. Rejecting Temptations.
Let's be realistic. We always want more, and greed will get the better of us one way or another. The things we want may align with your interests but not in the best interest of your significant other nor the other people who you care about. Yes, they want the best for you, but the difference in their thought process in comparison to yours is when. You may want to go enjoy yourself now, but the others want to make sure you enjoy yourself in the long run. Just ask yourself, "Is it worth it?". I always tell my friends to not to do anything too stupid. What I mean by that is to not do anything that will affect the safety of yourself and others around you. Come on. It takes only one second to destroy something others built for you. Please. Stay safe and be considerate.
6. Make the correct mistakes.
Everyone knows the perfect significant other does not appear out of thin air, yet our expectations can be so high. Sometimes, our expectations are met, but not without some effort. Nobody is perfect, and we all give into our temptations and eat the cookies every now and then. Though, struggles can sometimes make the best friendship and even a relationship. However, one cookie could mean the difference in a relationship regardless of what kind of relationship it is. Many relationships nowadays have been ruined because of a single mistake, yet other relationships have been made stronger because of mistakes as well. So how can you tell if your mistakes will help your relationships? It's simple. Are they eating the cookies with you? Anything you do together regardless of how crazy and stupid can make your relationship better in the long run.
7. Finding the positive from the negative. Not the other way around.
One of the big things we have to do especially in a relationship is making the most out of the rough times instead of taking the good times for granted. Looking at the downside never ends well. This sounds like common sense, but people still do it anyway. I don't why. When you have a connection with someone, there's something special. Enjoy it as much as you can and be thankful for it. After all, that's what Instagram is for. Pics or it didn't happen.
8. Adapting change.
No matter what happens, life will go on, and change will always find a way back to you. It's important to keep learning about yourself and the others you care about to keep relationships strong. Each day has the potential to be a day that nobody will ever forget. Of course, we all hope that kind of day will be positive, but life says otherwise. A defining characteristic of a person is how they react to change whether it be good or bad. However, what separates the good change from the bad change is yourself. Change can always be good if you're committed to yourself and others.
Nothing in this life worth having comes easy remember?
9. Being Trustworthy.
The defining factor in a relationship. Time and time again, relationships hang in the balance of trust between people. Every single relationship succeeds because of trust. Most relationships fail because of the lack of trust. I elaborated more on trust in a previous article too, but in short, no trust no relationship. It could take months even years to develop it, but the effort is worth it.
There must've been cookies on that tray......
10. Having their back when life does not.
For any relationship to succeed. Significant other, friends, family, it doesn't matter. You have to put the people you care about first especially when tragedy hits them hard. When times are good, everyone celebrates with you. But when times are grim, who will come now? The people who care about you. The ones you have built trust with over the years. They come to your aid because they know you will do the same for them. Anyone who is willing to drop everything and rush to your side when tragedy comes aren't just special. They sacred. The strongest relationships you will ever see go through the worst life has to offer. That is the ultimate test of any relationship, facing life's challenges together when they get tough and being the shoulder to cry on when life becomes simply unbearable. In the end, the challenges will make you stronger together and give you the strength to make life great again.
It just goes to show that life is not meant to be lived alone. Everyone needs someone in their lives. It doesn't have to be romantic. It can be a simple friendship. Yes, they are hard to develop, but as long as you be the person you want as a friend /significant other, you will eventually find that someone.
Stay true to yourself, your loved ones, and all those you come across in life, and life will reward you with the strength to make and maintain greatest relationships that will not only keep your life afloat but the lives of others as well.
True relationships don't consist of people taking shots with you during happy hour. They consist of loved ones who will give you water during the saddest hours.
