Relationship Advice for Lovers Setting 2021 Goals – 10 Useful Tips To Follow
Modern-day relationships are under attack from all sides. Social media influence is pushing relationships to the edge. Today couples judge their relationship based on what they see on the Internet. Nibbling on smartphones is taking the place of conversation. Unhealthy competitions are making relationships shorter with bitter heartbreaks. Sadly, there is less relationship advice for young lovebirds to follow.
The outbreak of COVID-19 means many couples will not spend time together for God-knows-how-long. However, this should not stop you from setting goals for your relationships. As 2021 draws near, we have put together relationship advice to help young couples achieve longer relationships. Perhaps, it is time to change your approach towards your relationship.
ALSO READ: Spotlight On 10 African Celebrity Couples Who Are Still Going Strong
Factors leading to shorter relationships
It is not a single factor, rather, multiple factors are to blame for the increasing number of heartbreaks. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has made things a little worse. For example, there was a spike in domestic abuse and gender-based violence. While not all relationships are destined to last forever, below are some of the factors that are making relationships shorter.
#1. Finance
Love and understanding are two key ingredients for a long relationship, but they won’t pay your bills. When the bills become overwhelming for one of the partners, he or she may decide to take a step. COVID-19 led to the loss of millions of jobs. At this time, some couples are already rethinking their relationships.
#2. Loss of Trust
Trust is hard to gain and easy to lose. In the past, it was easier for unfaithful partners to conceal their shenanigans. However, with smartphones and wide Internet access, we are seeing more Twitter trends exposing unfaithful partners. Articles that offer relationship advice state that this is the leading cause of break-ups. Since many couples are staying apart due to COVID-19 restrictions, it is easy for trust to wane.
ALSO READ: 10 African Celebrity Breakups. Would You Have Handled Them Any Differently?
#3. Differing Priorities
One partner may value family above all things, whereas the other may focus on romance. You have no interests in common.
#4. Lack of Communication
Experts agree that this is one of the main reasons that drive couples to therapy. Instead of voicing their feelings, sometimes couples expect their partner to read their mind.
#5. Lack of Respect
Negative comments, showing contempt, and the use of sarcasm can destroy a relationship.
#6. Intolerance Toward a Partner’s Family
Sometimes it is a challenge to maintain a good relationship with in-laws. Some do not respect boundaries, they show up unannounced, and they may be interfering.
#7. Arrogance
When a partner has a superiority complex and a sense of entitlement this can cause friction.
10 Tips to Remember as You set 2021 Goals
#1. Money
Experts recommend trying to see the other partner’s viewpoint. This is the relationship advice from Amy Freeman in Money Crashers.com:
”Because spending habits develop over time, it’s a rare thing for a person to give up something quickly. Be patient if your partner is the one cutting back on spending and ask your partner to be patient if you are the one making the big adjustment.’
#2. Loss of Trust
Trust is the foundation of a relationship. Be open and transparent about your relationships with other parties. Socialize in each other’s company. Learn to apologize sincerely if you breach the trust.
#3. Intolerance Toward a Partner’s Family
To minimize tension and drama, it is beneficial for the two of you to present a united front. If you have each other’s backs and maintain a sense of humor it will go a long way towards maintaining peace.
#4. Lack of Communication
Why not schedule a time to spend together minus electronic gadgets? Set ground rules for the sessions so that each partner has an opportunity to air their views. Make it a goal not to deviate from the topic on hand.
#5. Lack of Respect
Aim to think before you speak, and avoid name-calling and rude speech. Consider each other’s opinions, express appreciation, and do little things for one another.
#6. Differing Priorities
Make your partner your number one priority. Have breakfast together as a couple and turn down invitations to go out in favor of increasing your personal time together.
#7. Learn to be thankful.
Appreciate each other’s good qualities. This will deepen your bond and motivate you to stay together.
#8. Be a good listener
Misunderstandings occur when one partner feels that they are not being heard. Make time to listen to your partner. When you listen without interrupting you will better understand where they are coming from.
#9. Compromise
Successful relationships involve ‘give and take’. Meet your partner half-way. Accept that you are not clones of each other; embrace your differences.
#10. Forgiveness
This will help you get past each other’s mistakes and help you forge on. Let go of the past, do not hold grudges. We all make mistakes.
Finally, on a positive note COVID-19 has had a good impact on some relationships. There are couples who state that forced intimacy has made them thankful that they have someone at their side as they weather the storm. The time spent together has made them appreciate each other’s strengths. The crisis has served to draw them closer, and they have achieved a new level of intimacy. This signals that there is hope yet for modern relationships.
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