Being in your 20s is all about transitioning from being a teenager to an adult and let’s just say that’s not the easiest things in the world. This is also the time when many of us fall in love. So, here’s us letting you in on some secrets. Although there is no designated way of making a relationship last, there are a few golden rules of being in a serious relationship.
1. Date before you commit.
Although the word dating is kind of a taboo in the Indian society, it is not a bad thing. In fact, it is the sensible thing to do. Use your dating period to see whether or not the two of you are compatible… Your likes, dislikes and your general perspective in life.
2. Let your past go.
The ghost of the past will haunt you till you let go. Irrespective of what happened, you need to leave your past behind if you are looking to start a new relationship with someone and are really serious about it. Take your time but don’t start a new chapter of your life till you are sure you don’t plan to revisit the last one.
3. Be honest, even if it is not the most comfortable thing to do.
Honesty may be the best policy but it is not always the most convenient or comfortable rule to follow. Nevertheless, be honest. Even if being honest sometimes causes a bit of an upset it will help build trust between both of you… The trust that, even if something goes wrong, you will take each other into confidence instead of trying to cover it up with lies.
4. Learn to trust… But not blindly.
Honesty and trust go hand in hand but trusting someone blindly is not a good idea. It is only human to make mistakes and it makes sense to be answerable to each other to some extent. Don’t overdo it… But don’t ignore it either.
5. Have a healthy social life outside of your relationship
Just because you are in a relationship doesn’t mean you should stop having a life outside of it. You should both be able to have a good time even without each other since you cannot be with each other all the time (that’s really unhealthy). So, keep your friends close and make sure you have your own priorities, hobbies and a fun things-to-do list to pursue!
6. Have arguments… But fight fair.
Even if you do not agree with each other or are fighting over something, be fair. Don’t dig up skeletons of your past issues and tussles. Don’t let the desire to hurt your partner consume you to the extent that you end up seriously hurting him. In a fight, more than anything else, choose your arguments wisely.
7. Believe in the little gestures more than grand surprises.
Say ‘I love you’ more often and mean it. Do little things that will make him smile. The tiny things usually count the most and help keep the romance alive!
8. It’s okay to compromise a little… But don’t sacrifice who you are.
He cannot sleep with the lights on but you want to read late into the night? That’s okay… Maybe get a table lamp. But if he is uncomfortable with you being an outgoing, social bee, then that’s not something you should be sacrificing. Keep your expectations clear – and that works both ways. Neither of you should be sacrificing vital parts of yourself as individuals in order to keep the relationship afloat.
9. Make time for each other.
Life is always going to be busy so make time for each other. It doesn’t always have to be a fancy date, just somewhere you can both have a good conversation and enjoy each other’s company.
10. Be strong, for yourself and for each other.
You will both have your weak moments and it may/ may not have anything to do with your relationship, but it will definitely affect it. Through these troubled times you need to be strong and keep your partner strong too. If you can hold each other up, nothing can hurt your relationship.
11. Don’t be too serious!
Life’s too short to take everything seriously, especially in your 20s. Smile, be silly at times, laugh your heart out and don’t apologize for being a little too crazy. To be in a serious relationship, you don’t need to be extremely serious about everything! If your heart is in the right place you will both make it.
GIFs: Giphy
