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7 Vital Choices for Happy Relationships

Happy Couple Jumping

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” ~Lao Tzu

A little over a decade ago I thought I was going to marry my college sweetheart and become a young bride, which made it all the more devastating when happily ever after didn’t pan out. When we broke up, I felt literally like I lost a limb, complete with phantom sensations of his hand in mine.

It didn’t take long for a dark guilt to bubble up—a constant festering reminder of all the mistakes I’d made. I was highly unstable and insecure back then, and most of my relationships revolved around holding me up.

In the ruins of that romance, I didn’t know what scared me more—that someone else might hurt me again, or that I might hurt them enough first to deserve it.

I simultaneously felt an aching need to fill in the hole where he’d been and an overwhelming sense of nausea at the thought of being with someone else.

For eight years I ping ponged from fling to fling and extreme to extreme—putting myself out there far too soon or completely hiding my authentic self; expecting mountains to move or anticipating the worst; choosing the wrong people and refusing to let go, or choosing the right people and running away.

In each case, I either burdened the guy with a body bag full of my fears and insecurities, or dragged it around myself wondering why dating felt so exhausting.

I learned every lesson the hard way, after first proving myself completely insane by doing the same things and over and over again and expecting different results.

I’m now in a peaceful, loving relationship, and I realize the journey to this connection had more to do with loving myself than finding him. No relationship with someone else can ever compensate for secretly believing you don’t deserve it.

While I by no means know everything, I feel the hard part isn’t knowing what makes a healthy, happy relationship, but actually applying that knowledge consistently. It’s a lot easier to make a laundry list of lessons than it is to put them into practice, especially when heightened emotions are involved.

So I’ve done something a little different to explore the different ideas that support healthy relationships. As I often do, I put a question out to the Tiny Buddha Facebook page: what’s the key to a happy relationship?

I took a sampling of hundreds of responses and grouped them into seven tips. For each one, I listed a few simple ways to apply those ideas right now. If you’re not currently in a romantic relationship, a lot of these can still apply to the other relationships in your life.

7 Important Vital Choices for Happy Relationships

1. Practice self-love first.

It seems like you can only have happy relationships if you can be happy with or without them. ~Erika Gonzalez

Know that it is not the other person’s job to make you happy. The only person who can do that is you! ~Christi Emmons

The ultimate kicker: be honest with yourself about who you are. ~Kelly Bell

Know that you can be yourself and still be accepted. The best relationship is when you bring out the best in each other, and you are purely content when neither has anything to say. ~Stephanie Schwenning

Take it off the page:

  • Work on forgiving yourself. The past is the past and you deserve to put it behind you, but no one else can let it go for you.
  • Be good to yourself today. Practice yoga, meditate, or take a walk.

2. Focus on compatibility.

Be best friends first. ~Wendy Nicholson

Have an incredible “like” for each other. ~Diane Bateman

Have shared (or at least compatible) values and communication. Everything else can be forgiven, accepted, or put aside; however, values are the root of how we relate to all beings. ~Frank Ra

Find the person who inspires you to be a better you, and always encourage them to become the best them. ~Corinne Morrill

Take it off the page:

  • If you’re single, do something social that you love. You’re more likely to meet compatible people if you get out there and foster your  interests.
  • If you’re in a relationship, spend some time sharing something you both enjoy. My boyfriend and I met at karaoke, so singing together is a great way to connect.
  • If you’re in a relationship with someone and it always feels like hard work, ask yourself: Are you trying to jam a square peg into a round hole? It can be scary to walk away from the wrong person, but it’s the only possibility of meeting someone who will feel right.

3. Practice acceptance.

Accept that not everyone or everything is perfect. We are all perfectly flawed. ~Simon Kirk

Be non-demanding of your partner—partners don’t tell each other what to do. ~John Bigl

Mutual adoration and acceptance of the differences that make each of you individuals are keys to a phenomenal relationship. ~Casey Kimes

Happiness is a choice, as are all things in life. I choose to see and feel grateful for all of the best qualities in my partner, rather than focusing on shortcomings. ~Emily Roberts

Take it off the page:

  • If you feel yourself focusing on everything someone appears to be doing wrong, ask yourself if there’s something else upsetting you. It’s easier to blame other people than it is to look in ourselves, but oftentimes that’s where the problem is.
  • If you feel like changing something about someone else today, ask yourself what change you can make in yourself instead. If you feel unappreciated, show appreciation. It’s more empowering and productive to show people how to treat us than to complain about what’s lacking.
  • If there’s something you just can’t accept, ask yourself if you’re willing to walk away because of it. We can’t change other people, but we can change our relationship to them.

4. Have realistic expectations.

Don’t expect it to be happy all the time. ~Stephanie Goddard

Don’t sweat the small things and speak up when it really is important to you. ~Elizabeth Sadhu

Remember that it isn’t always happy, but get through those not so happy moments together or apart, whichever is needed. ~Jessica Duff

Keep realistic standards for each other. ~Ashna Singh

Take it off the page:

  • Notice when you’re projecting something onto the other person that has nothing to do with them, like a fear from a past relationship. Then make an effort to let it go.
  • Recognize when you’re looking for that person to do something for you that you need to do for yourself, like make you feel lovable or take care of your needs. Then release those expectations and do it for yourself.

5. Be kind in words and deeds.

Think about the person’s feelings before you speak or criticize them. ~Dana Brewer Covey

Have a fast ear and a slow tongue. ~Mark Ward

Have compassion and grow together, not apart, as the years go on. ~Krista Tverdak

Love must be bigger and stronger than anything else. Never keep any record of your partner’s mistakes and faults and be ready to forgive. ~Mel Escobar

Take it off the page:

  • See the other person as if for the first time. It’s all too easy to take someone for granted. Really notice all the wonderful things they do, and let them know what you see.
  • If you get frustrated with each other, ask yourself, “Will this really matter after I’ve cooled down?”

6. Be honest.

Talk about things that leave you vulnerable from the heart. ~Cheryl Floyed

Compromise and dream together. ~ Becca Stinson

From my grandparents, who have been happily married for sixty years: the three C’s: caring, communication, and compromise. ~Emily Larsen

Don’t sweat the small stuff, and if something really is bothering you talk about it in a calm controlled manner. Leave drama in the theaters and movies. ~Ben Reyna

Take it off the page:

  • Open up about something that you’ve been keeping to yourself. It doesn’t have to be big and dramatic. People can only be there for us if we let them.
  • If something’s on your mind, express it without implying the other person is responsible for your feelings.

7. Remember to act.

When you’re bored, do something about it. ~Ernie Somers

Adjust to change. Adjust to moods, lifestyle changes, and new additions, and always remember to love. ~Elysia Cordero

The rest comes and goes as we change and grow and struggle, but being able to laugh together brings you back together. ~Kerry Kokkinogenis

Have rich individual pursuits and pursue things together. ~Laura Texera

Take it off the page:

  • If you haven’t in a while, take time to do your own thing today—completely on your own or with friends.
  • Take time to laugh together, whether it’s watching funny YouTube videos or trying something new together.
  • If you feel dissatisfied with your life, don’t assume it’s your relationship. What other adjustments could you make to feel happier with your place in the world? Maybe you need to take a small step toward a hobby or more fulfilling job.

And lastly…

Start over again and again. ~Miguel Angel Carrillo Infante

It’s a new day—a new chance to practice giving and receiving love.

This post originally appeared on the site in 2011. Some of the Facebook responses were slightly edited for spelling; some were part of longer responses with more detail. Happy couple image via Shutterstock

About Lori Deschene

Lori Deschene is the founder of Tiny Buddha. She started the site after struggling with depression, bulimia, c-PTSD, and toxic shame so she could recycle her former pain into something useful and inspire others to do the same. You can find her books, including Tiny Buddha’s Gratitude Journal and Tiny Buddha’s Worry Journal, here and learn more about her eCourse, Recreate Your Life Story, if you’re ready to transform your life and become the person you want to be.

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Jaky Astik

You know a lot of people say you should learn to forgive. I’ve come to learn that forgiveness is easy, and relationships need it big time. If eye for an eye was a real rule, all the people in the world would be blind. Forgive, for better relationships.

Jen

This was great timing for me. I’ve been having a lot of second guesses and doubt about my 4 year relationship. I realized this morning the second guessing and doubts wasn’t about the relationship, but about myself. This post helped me get from that realization to starting to form a plan.

[…] Originally posted here: 7 Vital Choices for Happy Relationships | Tiny Buddha […]

[…] to original article: http://dev.tinybuddha.com/blog/7-vital-choices-for-happy-relationships/ Tags » Dating, Love, Relationships, Tiny Buddha « Author:admin Date: Thursday, […]

Stlblugrl

I really liked this.. very good read.. thanx Tracey

Paul

Osho said relationships have stopped. He said: “Relating means you are always starting.” “That is the joy of love: the exploration of consciousness. And if you relate, and don’t reduce it to a relationship, then the other will become a mirror to you.”

Trisha Liu

Lori, I very much appreciated both the vulnerability you shared at the beginning of the article, and the wonderful, thoughtful compilation of lessons (choices), quotes, and actions we can do. Thank you!

[…] See the article here: 7 Vital Choices for Happy Relationships | Tiny Buddha […]

Meg

I really like reading Tiny Buddha, I find little truths that I apply to my life in patchwork fashion. The only problem is I seem to have to relearn these truths every so often instead of keeping them in perspective. I relearn/relive my divorce that I truly can’t seem to leave behind, it’s been 5 years but something somewhere isn’t right. I didn’t really realize this until I read “No relationship with someone else can ever compensate for secretly believing you don’t deserve it” I burst into tears from nowhere because this is how I feel, I don’t deserve to be happy, I don’t deserve someone good. Now I just have to figure out why.

[…] 7 Vital Choices for Happy Relationships | Tiny Buddha […]

Denise W Barreto

Love this! Will be tweeting and posting to the high heavens. Thanks for such a moving, personal and then down right ACTIONABLE post!

Lori Deschene

Hi Jen,

I think a lot of people associate doubts about their lives with doubts about their relationships. I know I have done that many times before. For me, it was easier to point the finger at the person closest to me than it was to really evaluate what I wanted in my life and what was holding me back. Thanks for reading and commenting. I’m so glad you found this post helpful!

Lori

Lori Deschene

Hi Meg,

Thanks for your willingness to open up about your own experiences. I think a lot of us believe that we don’t deserve happiness and love. I know that feeling well! It’s only compounded when we look back at mistakes we think we made and feel a sense of regret or shame.

What’s helped me is to look at myself as if I were my sister. She’s made a ton of relationship mistakes, but I still believe she deserves the greatest love this world can offer her. I would never label her, shame her, or focus on everything she may have done wrong. From there I remind myself that if I can give that love to her, I can give it to myself.

Another thing I sometimes do when I start beating myself up in my head is remember my cute little 5-year-old face. I would never judge or hurt that little girl, so I shouldn’t do it to her two-and-a-half decades later.

I wish you well on your continued journey!
Lori

Lori Deschene

I love that quote. It’s so true! I think forgiveness is one of the most important keys to happiness in life. Whenever we let go of anger or pain, we make room for something that feels better.

Lori Deschene

You are most welcome! Thank you for reading Denise. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. =)

Lori Deschene

Thanks Trisha–and you’re most welcome! I’ve learned to open up more with my blogging this past year, and I appreciate the opportunity to do that. =)

Lori Deschene

Hi Paul,

I’ve read something similar before, though I can’t remember where–that there are no “relationships,” just relating to other people. I think it’s an interesting idea–that the relationship starts anew with each interaction. Thank you for sharing the Osho quote!

Lori

Lori Deschene

Thanks Tracey. I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[…] 7 Vital Choices for Happy Relationships | Tiny Buddha . everyone has flaws, and there's a lot more right with you than wrong with you. Work on forgiving yourself. The past is the past and you deserve to put it behind you, but no one else can let it go for you. Be good to yourself today. Practice yoga, meditate or take a walk. Donate to Tiny Buddha Enjoy Tiny Buddha Make a small donation to keep the site running and growing. Whether you donate $5, $50, or $100, it all helps the site grow. Thank you for your support! […]

Vanessa

I wish I had focused on #6 Be Honest especially since I’ve been a victim of dishonesty in the past. Then I wouldn’t have pushed away and hurt someone who truly loved and cared about me more than anything.

Rui Guimaraes

The only way available for a long lasting relationship is respect. If a couple looses respect they loose everything. The weding is the worst enemy because it creates the false idea that both husband and wife have some kind of possesion rights over each other. Acting this way, the right for freedom is violated and the friendship starts to fade away and will die sooner than expected. The best relationship between humans is the real loving one that assures enough space for the needs of each single individual. Love and freedom is the best combination, you can love a person deeply but cannot place a human being in a cage like some do with birds. If you go out and people look at your wife, lover or girlfriend feel happiness and comfort your soul because that means you have chosen a very attractive and sexy friend to share the best moments of your life. That’s real happiness.

Lori Deschene

Hi Vanessa,

I’m sorry to hear about what happened. I think honesty is tough for a lot of us because it can be such a vulnerable feeling. I’ve pushed a lot of people away in fear of them later rejecting me. In some cases, being honest after the fact helped. I don’t know your situation so it’s tough to say if that would be true in your case. But perhaps it isn’t too late to be honest and start anew?

If it is, in fact, time to move on, I’m sure there will be someone else who cares about you just as much, and at that point you’ll be ready to take the risk of being honest. I used to think love was in short supply, but I’ve come to believe there are any number of compatible people for all of us. When we’re ready to truly put ourselves out there, love finds us. It’s a tough thing to focus on when you still have strong feelings for someone else. What’s helped me in the past was to remember I will feel that way–and maybe even stronger–for someone else down the line.

Wishing you well,
Lori

Lori Deschene

Thanks for sharing your insights! I think you hit the nail on the head with respect, freedom, and space. These are all things that have crossed my mind as I consider the possibility of marriage in my future. I think they key to enduring happiness as a couple is to remember your time together is a choice, not a legal responsibility.

[…] 7 Vital Choices for Happy Relationships […]

Cynthia Hall

Sharing interests, respecting diferences, and being grateful for each other have been key in keeping our relationship going for 26 years.

Cynthia Hall

Sharing interests, respecting diferences, and being grateful for each other have been key in keeping our relationship going for 26 years.

Cynthia Hall

Sharing interests, respecting diferences, and being grateful for each other have been key in keeping our relationship going for 26 years.

Sandy

I went through the same experience as you. I was with someone for 4 years and he just couldn’t move towards marriage with me. I went through 2 years thinking it was me and punishing myself and the current guy I am with for what happened. I finally realized that I had to love myself before I could ever love someone else and did quite a bit of soul searching. Today, I am so glad I went through that experience or I may never have been able to find and understand my true authentic self. Love your site! Thank you for sharing your wonderful wisdom! I learn something new and valuable everytime I read your blogs. Namaste!

Lori Deschene

Hi Sandy,

I’m so happy for your conclusion about loving yourself! I’ve been learning that in much the same way as we need to fall in love with our partners over and over again, we need to do the same for ourselves–continually acknowledge and celebrate the good we are and do. It seems that this is one of the keys to healthy relationships–loving ourselves even when it feels hard. Thank you for reading and sharing some of your experience!

Lori

Erika Gonzalez

Thank you for this. It reminds me of a great Marianne Williamson quote ” We are reborn in any given moment when we do not take the past with us.”

Lori Deschene

I love that quote! Thank you for sharing it here.

Michelle

Wow! So many great reminders! Thanks for getting them all down!

Lori Deschene

You are most welcome. Thank you for reading! =)

Rachael

I have just come out of a relationship where the other person had to move to another country for work. Whilst I can appreciate the advice from Tiny Buddha and I am getting on with my life I am still finding it hard to accept that the other person wasn’t completely honest with me about the amount of time he would be out there and I feel I was ‘strung along’ for the last 2 months of our relationship and lead to believe we would make it work. Do you have any advice on how to accept the other person’s lack of honesty?
Thank you

Lori Deschene

Hi Rachael,

I’m so sorry to hear about your disappointment. There’s a lot I don’t know about the situation so it’s hard to offer advice. You might find this post helpful:

http://dev.tinybuddha.com/blog/40-ways-to-let-go-and-feel-less-pain/

The section on letting go of anger specifically. One thing that’s helped me when someone’s been dishonest or hurtful is to remember that even if I feel justified, holding on is a choice to torture myself–and only I can make the choice to stop.

I hope this helps!
Lori

[…] 7 Vital Choices for Happy Relationships, by the ever-popular Tiny Buddha […]

Dani

This post is exactly what I needed. I have been working on not taking things out on my boyfriend that are in reality things I am struggling with about myself. It’s so hard in the heat of the moment to step back and look at the bigger picture.
This has given me some great tools to try to appy to my life.
Thank you.

Dani

This post is exactly what I needed. I have been working on not taking things out on my boyfriend that are in reality things I am struggling with about myself. It’s so hard in the heat of the moment to step back and look at the bigger picture.
This has given me some great tools to try to appy to my life.
Thank you.

Lori Deschene

Hi Dani,

I’m glad you found this helpful! I work on a lot of these things in my relationship, and I’m finding it helpful, particularly when it comes to acceptance and expectations.

Have a wonderful evening =)
Lori

Grace B

This is great Lori. I’m currently attempting to build a relationship with a guy and it comes with a lot of fear and also a lot of excitement. Therapy has really helped me to talk something out and then not dwell on it–so I’m working on still being myself (which I have worked really hard at for a long time) and still being ready to be with this guy. This post really helped me to remember some key things I want to do well if our relationship progresses. Thanks!

Lori Deschene

You’re most welcome Grace! That’s wonderful that you’re working through old issues and being yourself. I think that’s the best we can do with any relationship. It sounds like this one is off to a wonderful start. =)

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Sunny

Thank you so much for putting this out there.  I’ve been on this journey to self-acceptance it seems my whole life.  This article couldn’t have been read any other time in my life with such an impact it had on me now.  Thank you for your words!

Lori Deschene

You are most welcome, Sunny. I’ve been on that same journey. I’m glad this was helpful to you! =)

Matiasluz69

I’ve been in a relationship for 4yrs. I now I love him but I don’t trust him for things that have happened in the past. I’ve tried to overcome them but I still seam to hold them against him. Help

alejandra

So I been dating this guy not for long and hes head over heels for me but I’m not like sometimes im very happy with him but then i get in these phases like i don like you I’m not happy I should end it because its never going to wotk out and my excuse for everything is because I have this wall up from this guy i was on love with head over heels so i jave never felt that for a guy so idk if I shpuld break up with him or not because of me having this feeling of unhappiness

Bene

I was crushed when my lover of three years left to be with another woman. I cried and sobbed every day, until it got so bad that I reached out to the Internet for help. I threw away so much money – all for nothing – until I hit on the real thing. And that is you, Dr. Lametu. You were different from all the rest – you are the diamond in the rough. Thank you from the depths of my soul! I am extremely happy now. I hope God blesses you as much as He has blessed me. Meet him for real help via Ancientspiritualtemple@gmail.com

Carla

I’ve been in a relationship for five years and we are talking about marriage but I’m not sure anymore. I love him but not head over heels like before. He recently started trying really hard to keep me happy after not trying for so long. I don’t know what to do. He has also let his family disrespect me and never apologized but I let it go or maybe not. Again I love him.

MATA

After
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help. It has gotten me through a lot, and I appreciate it immensely
thank you for bringing my husband back to me and our kids thank you
drlawrencespelltemple@hotmail. com you are truly a blessing.