Relationships are complicated, and sometimes they need help to stay healthy and strong. While there are many different factors that can contribute to relationship problems, there are three key pillars that are especially important to pay attention to for a happy, healthy relationship; Communication, Love, and Vision.
COMMUNICATION
Communication is the foundation of any healthy relationship.
If you and your partner do not communicate effectively, that means talking through difficult conversations, resolving conflict, properly listening to each other, showing empathy and being self-aware then your relationship will struggle to really move forwards and grow. When communication breaks down, it can lead to frustration, resentment, and even the end of the relationship.
For example, if one partner feels like they’re not being heard or understood, they may start to withdraw and shut down emotionally. This can make it difficult for the other partner to know what’s going on and how to help. On the other hand, if one partner is consistently critical or dismissive of the other’s feelings, it can erode the trust and intimacy in the relationship.
LOVE
Love is the glue that holds a relationship together.
Showing love to your partner is so important. You can do it in all sorts of different ways from simply holding their hand, doing something for them which they’d appreciate, a simple text perhaps in the middle of the day to say ‘I love you’, a cuddle, sex, or just showing appreciation towards your partner.
VISION
Vision refers to the shared goals and values that partners have for their relationship.
A united vision of how you want your relationship to look and feel from the foundation into the future is really important. Unaligned values and beliefs, different purposes, plans and presumptions for your future together can make it very difficult to stay unified.
Your vision if aligned is what will give your relationship purpose and direction, and more often than not it will make you both feel like you are working towards something meaningful together.
For example, if one partner wants to start a family and the other doesn’t, it can create a major conflict that’s difficult to resolve. Similarly, if partners have very different priorities and goals in life, it can make it hard to build a life together that feels fulfilling and satisfying.
FINAL THOUGHT
The combination of all three of these areas can truly be the essence of a fantastic, healthy and happy relationship. However, they may not always align and that is also OK and really quite normal in the long lives that we lead. So if you feel like one, or all of the above needs work in your relationship don’t worry, you are not alone.
Anna covers these 3 pillars in detail, plus so much more in the Make or Break Plan here. She talks through many of the other challenges which threaten to literally make or break a relationship and crucially she helps you decide and work on the best outcome for you.
