If you were asked to define your relationship, what would you say?

Keep in mind that your answer is for your ears only. So be as honest as possible.

Would you toss out a few generic comments saying everything was fine and dandy? Or would you actually be able to define your relationship accurately by stripping it down to the bare bones and examining its core?

The latter takes dedication and requires intricate attention to detail.

Basically, the way you choose to handle your relationship determines if you and your partner feel like you’re in the same corner or if you’ve already raised your gloves.

Aside from the boxing metaphor, there are ways to define your relationship. And to be more united.

Get on the Same Page

As you may have guessed, effective communication is key to a united relationship. Sometimes it can be difficult to actually accomplish this skill. Especially during a conflict. But during conflict is when your communication skills can shine the most.

Not sure where you stand on the whole communication spectrum?

To better define your relationship, ask yourself how you feel when you talk with your partner. Do you constantly feel like you need to defend yourself or do you feel accepted?

Couples counseling can help you both to practice acceptance for one another. After all, a united couple is one that accepts each another as they are.

Establish Positive Relationship Habits

Although you and your partner only need a table for two, there are three pieces to your romance. These three include you, your partner, and your relationship itself. Yes, it’s an entity of its own and requires nurturing to stay alive.

But, how’s the life flow gauging in your relationship? Do you feel a distance or any gaps between the two of you?

Consider your daily habits. For instance, think about how you greet your partner when you come home from work. Or, do you greet them? What about before bedtime or during the day?

Handling these small transitional times in your life with care can do wonders for drawing you closer together as a couple. If these moments are missing, you might also be missing out on some incredible connectivity.

Commit to Vulnerability

Would it feel comfortable to you to define your relationship as being vulnerable to one another? For some, this may sound like a scary and powerless place to be. But, when you both distribute power evenly throughout the relationship, vulnerability is no longer scary.

Furthermore, think about how you handle an argument. Are you committed to fighting fair with your partner? Do you tend to keep score? What about forgiveness, can you do it?

It’s in the difficult moments that you and your partner have the most opportunity to grow together. But, it takes being vulnerable and open to moments like this.

Couples counseling can help you address past issues and open yourself up more to your partner. Many people can’t do it, but it’s a powerful force when you can.

Nurture Yourself for a Greater Cause

To define your relationship, it helps to first be able to define yourself. Knowing who you are and nurturing your individuality is important for both you and your partner.

Healthy couples have lives outside of their romance and domestic duties. They have hobbies and endeavors that are near and dear to them. They may pursue them alone or together, but they have pursuits and take care of themselves nonetheless.

So, what do you do for yourself and why do you do it? Are you escaping your relationship and getting out from under your partner’s thumb? Or are you rejuvenating the depth of who you are?

Being united means that neither of you is threatened by the other. It requires self-confidence and maturity, which can be developed in couples counseling. Both are wanted attributes to define your relationship because both produce longevity and satisfaction.

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If you’re ready to hone in on your relationship skills, please contact me about couples counseling. I can help you to be more united so that you can enjoy your relationship and your life to its fullest.