Being in a long term relationship isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. There are disagreements and arguments, and there are times where you feel like you just want to give up. You’ll face plenty of obstacles, but you’ll also experience some of the best times possible. Ultimately, all relationships, whether positive or negative, teach you important life lessons. Here are just some of the ones I learned over the last few years.
1. Be more optimistic and less negative
For a long time, I personally was always viewing things in life in a negative way. For example, I did bad on an exam it’s pointless for me to keep trying to do better. My relationship quickly taught me that the negative vibes you give out can often times affect your significant other. I’ve gotten better over the years and although I still have my bad days, I’ve learned to look at the brighter side of things and be more optimistic.
2. It’s alright to be vulnerable with another person
Being in a relationship means that you trust that person enough to confide in them with your inner most thoughts and problems. I know sometimes it can be intimidating opening up to someone, especially someone you’re romantically involved with, but talking to them about certain situations can provide insight on issues you may never have considered before.
3. Not everything in life has to be serious, have fun!
As a working full-time college student, it can be incredibly difficult to take time for yourself and enjoy life. My boyfriend also works full-time, but we take time every weekend to enjoy each other’s company and do something exciting. Spontaneous date nights are also a main component in our relationship. Having those fun adventures together brings us closer and helps to relieve any stress from work or school.
4. Be more confident
When I was younger, I was very self conscious and not very confident in my looks or intelligence. It took a long time to get to the point I’m at now where I’m very happy with myself. My relationship played a big part in that. Over the years, my boyfriend has helped me become more self assured in myself and, thanks to that, my confidence and self esteem has improved drastically.
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5. Honesty and communication are extremely important
That doesn’t just go for romantic relationships, it goes for any relationship you have in your life. You have to be able to communicate with the important people in your life and if it ends in a disagreement, that’s alright. As long as both parties are talking honestly and getting their points across.
6. Disagreements and arguments are inevitable
All relationships have disagreements and arguments, but that doesn’t mean it’s unhealthy. It just means that there’s two people that don’t always agree on everything and that’s ok. Especially when you both have different personalities, you’re bound to butt heads. That’s where healthy communication comes in. You learn over time how to handle certain situations and how to address problems. If you argue, it should be productive and help you two move towards a solution or compromise.
7. Your significant other should be, above all else, your best friend
The most important thing I’ve learned by far. My relationship began as a close friendship and that friendship has become stronger over time. Being in a relationship where you can have fun together and act silly but still have those lovey-dovey moments is the absolute best.
These are definitely not all of the lessons I’ve learned. There’s easily a million others, but these lessons were the ones I felt were most important. There’s not a day that goes by that I’m not grateful for my relationship and the person I’ve become over the past few years thanks to it. There is no better feeling than feeling loved and being in love with someone who makes you feel amazing on a daily basis.
And I wouldn’t trade that for the world.