A couple. Photo/meanto.com
Even the happiest couples aren't perfect; there are always ways to improve relationships. When you fell in love, you knew in your heart the love was real. When you committed to your partner and said, "I love you forever", you meant it. But after a while, it can be hard to be truly happy in a relationship. Problems arise, conflict is inevitable, and nobody is raised with a handy manual for how to stay happy and in love with a partner.
As your relationship matures especially after children enter the picture, habits or personality conflicts arise while living together. Next thing you know, there are problems that make happily ever after seem more like never happy again.
It's easy to say that you'll love one another unconditionally, but it's a whole lot harder to do when you're in the thick of living real life together. The truth is, unconditional love is not the same as loving every single part of another person.
Ditch the notion of perfection.
When we learn to let the perception of perfection go and accept our partners as they are, we ultimately find happiness. Accepting that the relationship we have with our partner is not going to be perfect is the first step.
Before blaming your partner, find another way around the problem.
That wistful absent-minded behavior that is endearing and adorable when you are dating becomes as irritating as nails on a chalkboard when you move into the same space day in and day out. We must leave our inner egos and need to be right out of the discussion in order to create a happy ending.
Recognize when you need to step away and detach.
When confronting challenges in a relationship, there is sometimes the tendency to believe there are only two choices: either change the other person or turn yourself into a pretzel trying to please them. The act of detaching, however, can eliminate the battle and soften the suffering. It is often the most effortless, effective and loving option there is.
Communication is talking and active listening listen with your heart, your eyes, and your ears. When you listen to what was being said (and intention), and not what you believe about the person, true bliss and love that your relationship deserves can become a reality.