No one ever said that relationships were easy. In fact, many people would say the opposite is true,says Jonah Engler. If you’re looking for some uncommon relationship advice, you’ve come to the right place.

Jonah Engler-These ten pieces of advice come from relationship experts who have been there and done that.

1. Don’t take things for granted.

“Too often we assume our partner knows how we feel or what we need,” says couples therapist Lisa Bahar. “This can lead to resentment and misunderstandings.” Be sure to express your needs and feelings openly and honestly to avoid any potential issues down the road.

2. Communicate effectively.

Good communication is key in any relationship. As communication expert Sharon Wegner puts it, “Be clear about what you want, be clear about what you don’t want, and be clear about your feelings.” This means being mindful of how you communicate with your partner, and making an effort to be as clear and concise as possible.

3. Be generous with your time and affection.

It’s important to make your partner feel wanted and loved. Relationship expert Dr. Terri Orbuch recommends being generous with your time and affection. “Do something special for your partner every day, even if it’s something small,” she says. “And say ‘I love you’ at least once a day.”

4. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

“Many couples get into trouble because they focus too much on the small things that bother them,” notes couples therapist Tina B. Tessina. “Try to let go of the little things and save your arguments for the big issues.”

5. Don’t try to change your partner.

“One of the biggest mistakes people make in relationships is trying to change their partners,” says relationship expert Charles J. Orlando. “This never works and usually causes a great deal of resentment.” If you’re not happy with something about your partner, talk to them about it. But don’t try to change them into someone they’re not.

6. Be supportive.

“In any relationship, it’s important to be supportive of one another,” says Orbuch. “Offer encouragement and praise when it’s due, and be there for your partner through good times and bad.”

7. Respect your partner’s independence.

It’s important to respect your partner’s independence and give them room to breathe. “Don’t try to control your partner or smother them with attention,” cautions Orlando. “Allow them their own space and independence, and they’ll be more likely to reciprocate.”

8. Don’t take each other for granted.

“One of the most common relationship killers is taking each other for granted,” Orbuch says. “Make sure you always express your gratitude for your partner and what they do for you.”

9. Be positive.

It’s important to have a positive outlook in any relationship. As Wegner puts it, “Being negative will only breed resentment and lead to problems.” Try to focus on the good things in your relationship and stay positive no matter what life throws your way.

10. Be open to change.

“The best relationships are the ones that are constantly evolving,” says Orlando. “Be open to change and be willing to adapt as needed.” If you’re not willing to change, your relationship is likely headed for trouble.

These ten pieces of uncommon relationship advice come from experienced professionals who know what it takes to make a relationship work. Follow their advice and you’ll be on the road to a successful, lasting relationship.

FAQs:

How do I know if my relationship is healthy?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as every relationship is unique. However, there are some general signs that a relationship is healthy and functioning well. These include being able to openly communicate with your partner, respecting their independence, and being supportive of one another. If your relationship exhibits most or all of these qualities, then it is likely healthy and strong. If not, then there may be room for improvement.

What can I do to make my relationship stronger?

Again, there is no one answer to this question – as each relationship is different. However, some suggestions for strengthening a relationship include spending quality time together, communication exercises, and positive reinforcement. If you are dedicated to making your relationship work, then there is no doubt that you can make it stronger.

Conclusion:

Jonah Engler Silberman concludes, the ten pieces of advice listed in this article come from experienced professionals who know what it takes to make a relationship successful. If you follow their advice, you’ll be on the road to a happy, healthy relationship.