By Jennifer Angel

Is it enough just to be lovers and not share anything deeper than that? It is if you don’t want the relationship to last.

Friendship is what builds longevity in relationships so if you’re looking for a partnership with more substance, being their friend will build intimacy and understanding. The more you share with your partner the more open and honest your interaction will be. Of course there is some vulnerability in doing this but if you gradually open your heart on a personal level they will reciprocate. However, like any friendship it will take time. Strong bonds of love, trust and respect are not built over night; it grows over time with a sharing and caring attitude for each other.

Being friends as well as being passionate with your lover will build a healthy happy relationship and when you’re happy you generally feel better about your life and yourself. When you’re unhappy in your relationship you can become irritable, unrealistic and inflexible. This all adds up to dis-stress and can be so overwhelming it overshadows the rest of your life. And if the stress and distress continues that’s when the all-important links of communication can break down and heartache and resentment takes over.

So how can you ensure you have a happy, healthy relationship with your partner, which includes friendship and passion?

Here are a few tips to integrate into your life as positive habits.

1. Communication is number one; second guessing your partners thoughts and feelings can lead to misunderstandings so get used to communicating. This means asking questions and being a good listener.

2. Don’t be too rigid and self-opinionated. By all means have your own point of view, but allow your partner to have theirs and respect that you are not always going to agree on everything. After all this is what makes you individual and unique, so sometimes its necessary to agree to disagree.

3. Make time; It doesn’t matter if it’s on the phone, in writing or physically connecting, put time aside to genuinely be with each other, just the two of you.

4. Share yourself. When you tell your partner something personal about you, it makes you more human and real, building a closer bond.

5. If you have an issue, talk about it but not when you’re angry. Make a time to discuss issues, and instead of blaming or criticizing, tell them how you are feeling.

6. Recognize when you’re wrong and say sorry. Don’t be as stubborn as a mule; life is too short.

7. Don’t be a people pleaser; it’s nice to be there for others but not at the expense of your relationship. Before you say yes to requests from well meaning people, ask yourself what is most important at this time.

8. Be passionate. As much as you work on being friends don’t forget passion. If you have a strong friendship as well as passionate intimacy you will be happy for years.

9. Keep your own identity. By having an independent life you become a more interesting and fulfilled person.

10. And finally, be yourself. If you’re the ‘real you’ a healthy happy relationship with friendship and passion will come more easily.

Previous Articles:

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• POWER WOMEN WHO LOVE NURTURING MEN

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• What’s Next – Sex or Romance?

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