An overlooked reason for why a lot of relationships become strained is because either the couple doesn’t spend enough quality time together or one of them feels like they don’t

get enough time alone. The solution to both of these is setting intentions. Make it a point to go on a date at least once a week (if you can),

and it shouldn’t be taken personally when one of you wants to catch a movie alone or go out with friends. 

A healthy relationship consists of two people who like

to spend time together, but they shouldn’t feel pressured or obligated to do it. When you give one another space, it makes the time that you do end up spending

together that much more special.

We’d scream it from the rooftops if we could! A mistake that a lot of people make---hate to say it, but especially a lot of women---is they get with someone

and suddenly, that person becomes their entire life. Usually that’s because they told themselves that getting in a relationship is what they needed in order to live a full life

and that’s just not so. 

Both of you need to have your own goals and ambitions. Your own friends. Your own favorite things to do, even if your partner isn’t interested.

A person who looks to the one they’re dating to be their everything will soon smother them and…end up with nothing.

A hobby is something that broadens your horizons and relieves stress. It’s a good idea for both of you to have a hobby that you can do exclusive of your

time with one another. Maybe you like to kick box while your partner enjoys going hiking. Whatever it is, doing something that you enjoy without feeling like you have to

defend or explain it to your partner (or try and get them to join in) will make you both more relaxed and appreciative of the things that you do like

to do together.

Something that you can do to respect each other’s ambitions while also supporting it is to share some of your goals with one another. It’s not about getting each other

directly involved, so much as going to one another for advice, a shoulder and three cheers when you reach your goals. Couples who are ambitious and supportive of one another’s

ambitions significantly increase their chances of staying together for the long haul.

Try and put it on the books to go on a vacation once a year together AND apart. This is another thing that falls into the “Don’t take it personal”

category. You shouldn’t feel some type of way if your partner wants to go somewhere alone or on a trip with their friends. A couple’s trip can center around something

that you both want to do, while a solo one can include all of the things you both like that the other…really doesn’t. It reduces the chances of there being some

suppressed resentment which can ultimately ruin a vacation. And who has the money or time for that?

A part of the reason why you’re even together in the first place is because your differences have a way of complementing one another. Your individuality makes each other better.

Why would you want to ruin that by trying to turn each other into the same person? Encourage each other to rep your own styles, to have your own likes

and dislikes and even to challenge one another on different topics and perspectives. That’s what gives you each the FREEDOM to grow. And the freer you feel, ironically enough, the

more likely you are to stay together. And enjoy doing it!