How to Have a Better Relationship
By Tara Parker-Pope
Illustrations by Mark Conlan
Can you spot a good relationship? Of course nobody knows what really goes on between any couple, but decades of scientific research into love, sex and relationships have taught us that a number of behaviors can predict when a couple is on solid ground or headed for troubled waters. Good relationships don’t happen overnight. They take commitment, compromise, forgiveness and most of all — effort. Keep reading for the latest in relationship science, fun quizzes and helpful tips to help you build a stronger bond with your partner.
Me and my partner have been together 16 years. We don't fight over money. My deceased wife fought with me over money. That lead to me walking away from her.
My deceased ex wife and I never fought over money. She always spent it before I had time to object….
Communication, compromise and farting together.
If you cannot get on with the natural functions of each others bodies, then all will be lost in the end.
Take turns in being the leader in almost everything as that allows for rest and confidence building, say sorry and see through the other's eyes and imagination.
Talk to each other, know the other's fantasies and fears. Admit mistakes, make jokes, laugh and talk to each other and very importantly listen and observe. We communicate intensely through non verbal means, even more so than verbal.
I knew that my ex and I were in trouble when I discovered that both of us wanted to be the dominate person in the relationship. This meant that both of us wanted to control everything. I, for one, have to know what is going on. We had no stupid arguments with imagined others but we had control issues and lots of stress. I last talked to her on the phone when she called me January 2nd. We talked an hour but have talked up to 4 hours at a time. I always have her laughing and gigling and that makes me happy. Once the call is over I feel very good but I'm also aware that I have less stress in my life today than I did before and I like it that way.
I knew my relationship with my ex wife was in trouble when she started complaining about me breathing too loud….