There are some common-sense rules that all good relationships should follow. For instance, it’s important to talk about your problems before they get to an 11 on a scale of 1 to 10. It’s also important to share at least a few interests if you want your relationship to be well-rounded. Still, there are some things that might seem wrong at first, but can actually make your relationship better and even improve your quality of life. Here are six surprising ways that your relationship might still be saved.
People shouldn’t be forbidden from talking about past relationships.
Exes make us who we are and can even affect who we date in the future. Even though it might be awkward, there are times when it’s important to talk about what you’ve learned from past relationships. It shows that you’re honest and open, and that you’ve moved on. On the other hand, there is one thing you should never do: compare your current partner to girls or guys you’ve dated in the past. In particular, don’t “rate” them on how good or bad they are based on what you’ve seen in other people. They don’t need to be reminded or evaluated all the time.
Separate beds and even bedrooms might be the key
More and more couples are sleeping in separate rooms. In 2017, a survey found that one in four married couples do this. Society puts a lot of pressure on couples to share a bed and room because it’s assumed that couples who don’t must be having problems in their relationship. However, research has shown that couples sleep better when they’re alone. Things like rolling around, taking all the blankets, and loud snoring make people angry and make it hard to sleep. There isn’t a lot of research on how this affects the romantic side of a relationship, so keep that in mind. But if you plan well, you can have both the closeness you need and a good night’s sleep.
Discuss finances
When it comes to money, people often do things in secret. After all, why should anyone care how much money you make or how you spend it? But here’s the truth: money problems are the number one reason why people split up. This is why it is so important to talk about money as soon as you have a stable relationship. For example, if one of you has always been financially stable but the other is a compulsive shopper, you’ll quickly find out how much that debt will affect you both once your finances are tied together. Make sure you agree on important things like the budget for the house and how much each of you will pay for utilities and cable. Set ground rules before making big purchases. If you don’t, you might be surprised when your partner comes home in a Lamborghini that you most likely had nothing to do with.
Find time apart from one another.
Every healthy relationship needs a romantic weekend away once in a while, and it’s also important to have a life outside of your relationship. Being together all the time won’t help your relationships, especially since you can’t both be interested in the same things all the time. Guys, if you want to go to your favorite sports bar and drink a couple beers with your friends while watching the big football game, that’s fine. Also, ladies, there’s no reason for your partner to act as a chaperone when you want to go get a latte and talk with your girlfriends all afternoon.
You don’t have to eat the same meals every day.
Dinner with your partner is the best way to connect, especially after a long day at work. But there is no rule that says you have to eat the same thing every day. In the same way that you usually order different courses when you go out to eat, it’s fine to make different meals. You might like meat, but your partner might be a vegetarian or (gasp!) a vegan. Or, he or she likes spicy food and you like something that isn’t very interesting. When people have very different tastes in food, forcing them to eat the same thing is a sure way to end up on the Darkside.
Text one another less.
Yes. Couples who live together now text each other all the time. Sending your significant other a quick text wishing them luck before an important test or job interview is a nice gesture that shows you care, but there’s no reason to text every single thought that comes to mind. When you have big news to tell someone, like that your sister’s dog just had puppies, it’s much better to tell them in person.
