1) Only get into a relationship with someone you love.
Never get into a relationship based on… Money.. Material benefits.. Loneliness.. Pity.. Fear.. And the list goes on.. What if the reason you got together is no longer there? What will happen to your relationship? Remember, love should be the only reason why you’re together!
2) Remember that it is a relationship between 2 people.
Just like what they say, it takes two hands to clap. Both of you need to work hard to make things work, a relationship requires teamwork. (Omg why does it sound like a project?) When something is wrong, it means that one or both of you is not putting in enough effort.. Work on it more!
3) Note that everyone imperfectly special.
Everyone is different, and that’s why you laid your eyes on him (or her) in the first place. You like and love him the way he is.. The way he talks, the way he smiles, the way he smiles when he’s having ice cream, etc… Get to know each other well, down to the smallest details and even each other’s bad habits.
4) Support each other through good times and bad times.
You’re team, remember point #2? Good or bad, you’re in it together. Be there for each other. Provide a listening ear, a big and warm hug, as well as emotional support in all circumstances. Trust that you can count on each other when you need each other the most.
5) Listen to each other openly, without judgment.
Never judge. Learn to respect and acknowledge the feelings of your significant other. Just like point #4, provide a listening ear and pay close attention to them. Sometimes all we need is a hand to hold, an ear to listen, and a heart to understand. Listen to what they want to tell you, those might be things that they’ve never told anyone.
6) Say what we mean and mean what we say
Open communication and honesty is essential to healthy relationships. Please give the people in your life the information they need, rather than expecting them to know or guess. Communication is the utmost foundation in a relationship. Also, note that a relationship is not going to work out based on empty promises if you don’t mean what you say.
7) Spend time together.
Set time aside for each other even if you’re busy, for simple things such as having dinner together at least twice a week. When both of you are busy, do work together. Once in a while, plan something fun, such as special trips to the zoo, to Sentosa or even overseas.
8) Don’t put expectations on your partner, and appreciate him.
Note that your partner is not expected to do anything for you, he doesn’t owe you anything. Every small surprise, gesture or gift is a plus for you. Things like making a point to arrive early on a date, the little card on your anniversary, sweet treats to tide you through exam periods, etc. Remember that he didn’t have to do that, but he did it for you anyway. Appreciate his efforts to do such things for you and be thankful for it.
9) Remember what you like him/her for
Whenever you’re upset, remember why you first fell in love with him /her. The good you see in him, the things about him /her that you love. Remind yourself why you chose him/ her.
10) Be loyal.
Don’t cheat on your partner. Being faithful is never an option when it comes to relationships, it is a priority. If you don’t do this point, it won’t work even if you do all the other 9 points above.