6 Things That Should be Normalized in a Relationship

In any relationship, both individuals bring their own understanding of the idea of a relationship. All of us bring in the baggage of our past chapters in life, movie fantasies, novel fantasies, and so much more to a relationship. Therefore, it is different for every individual.

Every ideal couple we know has its own share of setbacks, fights, dull moments, and arguments. The essence of their relationship is how they never let it kill their spark. How do they sustain every turbulence that their relationship goes through?

Two people coming together to spend the rest of their lives together amidst figuring out what life is and what they want from life isn't an easy task, right? I don’t want to make relationships sound complicated, but let’s face it, aren’t they somehow?

So, let’s talk about certain things that should be normalized in relationships to minimize their complications.

1. Honoring differences

Differences with your partner are inevitable. Making them a huge deal isn’t.

Accept that there will be times, that you will be disappointed by your partner. Figure out a way you both can healthily deal with that. There will always be a way you both can meet at a middle ground. Getting on board with your differences is the best thing you can do for your relationships.

These differences can take any form. Differences between a couple can be eating habits, dressing style, spiritual practices, sexual drives, spending habits, sleeping patterns, and the list can on and on. Love your partner for who they are, wholly, completely, unconditionally, and unabashedly.

2. Not inferring about each other’s financial decisions

Everyone deserves the supremacy to spend their money on things they desire. You should be a consultant to your partner when it comes to making decisions related to their money but not the decision maker. A lot of fights can be avoided that way. This factor has certain limitations when only one individual is earning and two are spending.  

Women tend to depend on their partners for investments, savings, and long-term financial planning decisions. Overcoming this practice is good for your individual growth as well as your relationship.

3. Ask your families to accept your relationships without changing anything in your partner

It is not right for expecting your partner to change their habits or anything beyond a certain limit for your family if they don’t wish to. Often, to make our relationship acceptable to the families, we ask our partners to pretend or change something about them. We ask them to be who they are not.

Changing a part of yourself is glorified as a sacrifice for your love in our society. Love does not mean sacrificing who you are. Both families must accept the couple as they are in their original selves without judgment. Because that’s what family does indeed!

4. Freedom to choose their friends

One of the major issues with relationships is the urge to control the life of your partner. It is not always in a negative way, perse. Sometimes, we just want to protect them from anything bad that occurs to them because of someone they allowed in their life which they shouldn’t have had at the first point.

Whatever the motive be, deciding with whom your partner should be friends, or hang out is not healthy for your relationship. We all have our own ways of screening people. We all have our set of ups and downs in that process. It is okay to make mistakes and then learn. Life is a forever teacher, it is fine, it is normal. Influencing your partner’s life by dictating them their choices is not.

5. Having uncomfortable conversations

Communication is the foundation of any relationship. Always communicate your feelings to your partner. Never postpone the act of doing this practice, especially the difficult ones. They lead to building unnecessary resentment.

It is beautiful to be vulnerable with your partner. It is amazing to talk about your needs with your partner. Talk about everything and anything with your partner. Don’t shy away from the most blissful part of having a partner and a relationship that is open communication.

6. End your fights with both of your consent

Closure is a lovely thing to have. Not all prefer to end a fight or a matter bothering their partner by discussing it thoroughly. We live in times where it is common for anyone to suffer from anxiety, overthinking, self-doubts, and more such mental health issues. This doesn’t make them needy or clingy partners, they just require reassurance at times. It may take time for them to deal with such issues. It is very important to address your partner’s emotional needs.

Any fight, any argument, or raw should always be settled once both have spoken their heart and mind out. It should be a satisfactory end to the conversation for both parties for a long-term healthy, happy, and loving relationship.

Final Thoughts

Take what works and leave what does not - meaning take what feels right for you, and leave what does not. Whatever you do, don't dismiss it without giving it some thought.