At the end of each day reflect on things you can do to sustain your intimate relationship and help it stay strong…
- Let there be spaces in your togetherness. Stay connected to your partner, but don’t lose yourself.
- Don’t count on changing each other. Spend your energy working on ways to make healthy changes in yourself.
- You don’t always have to agree. It is perfectly okay to “agree to disagree.”
- Don’t compromise yourself into boredom. Hold fast to what is core to your well-being and happiness.
- Don’t keep score. No one wins.
- Respect each other’s boundaries. It isn’t normal or natural to want, need, and like all the same things.
- Divvy up the chores — then butt out. No one feels “warm fuzzies” for a micro-manager.
- Don’t tell all. Respect each other’s deep secrets and vulnerabilities. Offer protection and support.
- Accept each other’s limitations. Show kindess and understanding.
- Seek to find comfort and strength together.
