Establishing labels IS crucial

Contrary to popular opinion, labels are important in a relationship. Having clear and established labels help create an atmosphere that is free from assumption, awkwardness, and anxiety. Are you just friends or are you courting? Are you exclusive or open to dating others? Are you officially together or still getting to know each other? Knowing these for certain can clear the air and make room for significant steps moving forward in the relationship.

 

Know that people are at different stages in a relationship

Some issues arise in a relationship because couples are different stages in the relationship. One partner is ready for serious commitment and can hear wedding bells in the distance, while it is the first relationship for the other, who is still figuring things out. It is always a good idea to be open to one another when it comes to your plans and expectations so that you can work to be on equal footing.

 

Manage your expectations

I knew someone who was in a relationship for 6 years but held off being engaged because this person was “waiting for the partner to change”. Heads up guys and gals. A perfect version of your partner DOES NOT EXIST. People are people, and we choose to love them with their quirks and all.

 

Always put maximum effort

Some couples fall into the trap of being too comfortable with each other. The effort to put their best foot forward slowly dies down and we can fall into a trap of mediocrity with our partners. We should never be lazy on the job, we should always continue to grow, develop, and improve ourselves to be the best version of ourselves for the person we love.

 

Surround yourself with a positive support group

It’s not only the couple that can make a relationship work, but friends and family are important too. Get the advice of people who have known you the longest, and are the truest. They may have insights from the outside that can help you and your partner grow as a couple. Mature advice is always something we should look for and listen to–emphasis on the mature.

 

Take time apart

You want to have a serious relationship? Here’s a quick tip, DON’T spend every second you have together. Growing as people requires you to flourish in your own fields and interests. Give each other time and space to discover yourselves as individuals. A good relationship happens not between two needy people who cling to each other, but between two complete persons who choose to love each other. Naks.

 

Try new things

Go on a Binondo food trip, jump in the cool water of Majayjay Falls, watch a play at the CCP. Trying new things together can lead to exciting new experiences that will help you get to know each other better. Different situations let you learn how your partner reacts to each one. If he or she is willing to “make tuhog-tuhog the fishball at the kanto”, then that person is the one!

 

It’s a cliché, but take your time

Today there is instant food delivery, instant streaming movies, and instant trending posts. But love is never ever instant. In a fast-paced world of swiping left, scrolling down, and instant gratification, relationships remain to be something delicate and valuable. Do not rush into things. Remember that real relationships aren’t based on feelings, but in mature and mutual commitment.

 

Any other ideas to make that jump from being ‘just-friends’ to being solidly in a relationship? Tell us below!