Relationship. A word that can be defined as the way in which two people are connected. But with the connection of two people comes many other factors and once the initial honeymoon phase is over, things can start to go a little downhill. That is when many people choose to give up. "It's not worth it, why should I make the sacrifice to keep it going?" or "the other person doesn't deserve me!" We can come up with a million different excuses as to why it is okay to give up and then we complain about why we cannot find THE ONE.
Here are 13 ingredients you need to follow precisely if you are planning on making your relationship work and of course, last.
1. 2 Cups- Patience
Patience is key when it comes to relationships. Everyone is different, so you are bound to encounter differences in your relationship. Not everyone thinks FRIENDS is the best show ever, but you have to come to an agreement and be patient when it's your turn to sit through hours of Criminal Minds Reruns. There is no point in arguing about silly little things that a little bit of patience can resolve.
2. ½ Cup- Kindness
The feeling of being in love brings out your natural kindness. You want to do things for each other just because you know it will put a smile on their face. If kindness doesn't come naturally, work on it. Do things just because. When they ask you for a favor, just do it. Don't think twice about kindness, and if it is not reciprocated, be kind anyway. Your actions will speak louder eventually. Just be patient.
3. 2 Tbsp. - Contentment
Its been said that you need to be happy with yourself before you can be happy with someone else. Do not be envious of each other. Be content with the fact that YOU can make them happy just by being you.
4. 1 tsp. -Modesty
When you are awesome at everything, its can be hard not to shout to the world all things you are great at. But when you are in a relationship, you grow and learn together. As much as you might think you know everything, be modest when complementing yourself. Allow your partner to tell you that you are awesome, I can guarantee it'll feel 100 times better hearing it from someone you love.
5. ¼ Cup- Humbleness
You are not better than your significant other, and trying to make it seem like you are will surely be the cause for a disastrous relationship. Take pride in each other's accomplishments instead of your own.
6. 1 Cup-Honor Each Other
Always honor each other. Admire each other. Respect each other. Put each other on a pedestal and look up to each other constantly.
7. 2 ½ cups- Others First
As opposed to contrary belief, you need to forget about yourself. Bring them their happiness before seeking your own. It can be a tough task to put someone else's needs before your own but it's for the sake of the relationship and I guarantee you will be 100x happier if you put your partner's happiness first. Chances are, your happiness is first for them, and so it's really a win win situation.
8. 3 Cups- Calmness
A relationship can be very stressful. Those days when stress takes over will really affect your relationship if you do not master the art of calmness. Don't take out on your loved one all the stress your daily life has put on you. Learn to breathe when things start to get loud. Always allow yourself some time to cool off. Don't try to go through arguments while you are angry, those arguments will not lead to anything but a night of not speaking to each other.
9.4 Cups- Forgiveness
Forgiving can be tough, especially when our partners say something that really hurt us. During these times it is important to calm down and rethink. Is what we are fighting for really worth it? Is this a situation where I am over reacting? And regardless of your answer to these questions, FORGIVE ANYWAY. Forgiveness can be one of the hardest virtues to conquer, but once you conquer it, forgiving can save a relationship that was meant to be.
10.¼ tsp.- Protection
Protection and safety are also significant things to consider when making a relationship work. If you do not feel safe, it's not worth it. Furthermore, do your best to protect each other always. Take care of each other; always have each other's back no matter the situation. It's important to trust each other and be able to count on each other.
11.1 tbsp.- Trust
Trust is essential for two people to be together trust needs to be prioritized. When he says he's working late, he's working late (unless you have proof, having proof is a whole different ball game). When he says he's tired, did you ever think, he might actually be tired? You need to trust the other person no matter how hard it is to believe. If something is causing you to loose trust, don't let it go unnoticed, and definitely do not go snooping around the "catch" him. This will break you guys.
12.2 tsps. - Hope
When we have hope for each other and hope for the relationship its kind of like setting goals for the two of you to grow together. Goals that you can both work at to achieve together. Maybe a vacation? A wedding? A family? When everything seems to be going wrong, your hopes can save your relationship, it can make you rethink whether giving up is really worth it or if your love is worth fighting for.
13.½ tsp- Perseverance
Walking away is always the easier choice. Staying and working though the problem is the biggest ingredient if you are trying to make love work. Relationships don't work overnight; they take time and dedication just like anything else worthwhile in this life. If you quit riding your bike the first time you fell, I'm sure you would not have learned how to ride. Relationships will have many bumps in the road, be perseverant and you two will go far.
This article was first published on mayliving.com and you can follow the author on her journey towards success and bliss as she invites you to start your own changed lifestyle.