… or in this case, just your C’s.
Don’t get me wrong. Successful relationships are NOT easy — they take work. A couple must choose to fully participate in (and work on) their relationship in order for it to succeed.
Once you have made that choice as a couple, being conscious and practicing these seven C’s will guide you to relationship SUCCESS:
1. Communication
Every successful relationship begins and ends with effective communication. Communicating your thoughts, feelings and desires with your partner is essential in your relationship, but many people forget that your style of communication can be just as important.
Communication is NOT a one size fits all model. Be sure to discuss, learn and be flexible to the style in which your partner communicates.
2. Care
As a couple, you need to take great care of your relationship. To care for your relationships means to protect it and look out for it. It also means that you bring fondness and affection to your relationship.
We live in a world where our relationships have become so fragile. When we communicate, especially when we disagree, we must maintain a high regard for our partner and handle him/her with care.
3. Compassion
The will to understand your partner is the basis of compassion in your relationship. We all come into our relationships having different experiences and therefore perceive things differently. An event that means nothing to you could be hurtful to your partner.
By having compassion, you are able to see the world through your partner’s eyes without judging their perception or experiences. Practice compassion in your relationship by being kind and accepting each other — differences and all.
4. Compromise
You are not going to agree on everything. I repeat: YOU ARE NOT GOING TO AGREE ON EVERYTHING! When you disagree, practicing compromise means that you can respect your partner and come to an agreement.
When you compromise, enable your relationship to mean more than your ego. Just be sure not to compromise your values.
5. Commitment
When you choose commitment, you choose to work at your relationship no matter the obstacle. Commitment is a choice you must make every day. The committed WILL find a solution. The undecided searches for an escape.
Anything in life worth having takes commitment. It takes work. When you are committed to each other, you will invest in your relationship more profoundly. Only the truly committed succeed.
6. Consistency
Keeping some consistency in your relationship in the way you behave, spend time together and communicate will make all the difference in your relationship. Inconsistency creates turmoil.
While you should try new things as a couple, consistency is what will keep your relationship on track because consistent actions create a consistent result.
7. Consideration
Show consideration for your relationship by being thoughtful, respectful and careful with your words and actions. Be sure to consider your partner’s feelings and point of view.
Understand that you are now a team and that you must consider your partner when making decisions in your life.
This article was originally published on Your Tango.
