Courage and Communication

Maintaining a relationship, any relationship, takes a lot of work, but more than that, it takes willingness to work through difficult topics and life events, along with the courage to do so together as a team. Use courage in abundance because even great loves will undergo trials and difficulties and include moments when you will give your partner trust, respect, and support without reciprocity. These moments may test and/or enhance a relationship, but are opportunities for self-growth because you will have to see outside yourself – your wants and needs out of concern and love for another’s greater good. Examples can include ironing someone’s clothing when they are running late or to the more extreme, caring for them during an illness.  The spectrum is huge, but encompasses expectations when undertaking the role as someone’s other half.

Relationships are like a fishing line of connected, conceptual terms that are only comprehended and enacted by example. Yet, they are also terms used with heavy emotional weight. People feel something when they say and hear, “You need to trust me” or “All I ask for is a bit of help around here,” but often fail to explain the root of their outbursts or supply straightforward ways to better the situation. Abstract words like these (‘trust’ and ‘a little help’) are not tangible in their pure form, no one is an infallible mind reader to someone else’s expectations, desires, and needs. Open communication is vital to relationships; it is very easy to “hear” someone without really listening to them. Therefore, the  (tactful) direct approach can clear up a lot of confusion and heartache. The next time you find yourself frustrated by your loved one’s actions or words, think whether you were communicating openly with them or hoping they would magically understand you. People are not perfect, but if you think about what is upsetting you, then you can express your emotions in a calm way, discuss, and form a remedying plan as a unified front.

My beliefs on this topic are not cookie-cutter and do not fit every situation, but acknowledging the courage in each other and communicating is a starting point. Every path to betterment needs a place to begin and a foundation to work from. This was mine. Tailor it to fit yours. Also, laugh together because a relationship does not only experience the downs, but ups and there should be a lot of joy in going through life with someone who loves you.