It’s easy to mix up Long Distance Relationships with Long Term Relationships…very easy. Long Term is dating for donkey years before finally officially tying the knot. It can be very frustrating and risky for both parties but especially women. I should be able to have a conversation about LTR because, errrrr I have been in one for 11 years now. Please don’t ask me how come, even me I don’t know, I just found myself in 2014…lol.
I know other people have been in Long Term Relationships too so I’d like you to share with me as I discuss the challenges and fantastic aspects of it on twitter today…please join the conversation at 9:00 pm tonight (30th April 2014) using the hash-tag #Nhbi, don’t forget to follow me also @Sisi_Yemmie
TIPS FOR LONG TERM RELATIONSHIPS
Maintain Your Individuality
It’s easily to lose yourself in a long term relationship, just like it happens in marriage. Don’t lose sight of your dreams and personal objectives. Your relationship would be better off. Personal accomplishments, genuine friendships, career progression and satisfaction with one’s life is very important. You don’t want to feel like you invested your entire life into the relationship if it doesn’t work because unfortunately that happens 🙁
Always Reaffirm Commitments
You have to always reaffirm commitment oh, ask each other , “bia, where is this relationship headed”…you can never ask it enough. This is just so you clarify your commitment: it is horrible when one partner is just strung along. Ask questions, make sure you’re both on the same page at each turn. Don’t assume.
Keep An Open Mind
Not every relationship works but we all hope from the start that it does: in a long term relationship that isn’t marriage, it might be helpful to keep an open mind. Don’t psyche yourself that it is you and that person together forever ti ti lai lai. On the other hand keeping an open mind does not mean cheating…it can be tricky to find a balance.
Share New Experiences
Go on dates, travel to new places, engage in invigorating activities together, these are the things that build a relationship : those shared experiences. Long Term Relationships can get boring otherwise, I think this should apply to married couples too. Do exciting things TOGETHER, have fun TOGETHER.
Don’t Take Each Other For Granted
You can easily take one another for granted in a LTR, after all you think you know everything about them now and see finish tends to step in (sometimes). Please don’t see each other finish, don’t allow yourself to be “seen finish”. Don’t disrespect each other: appreciate your relationship.
The butterfly stages would pass if you’re in a really long term relationship: it takes conscious effort to keep the sparks flying. The beauty of a new relationship is in the “gish gish” intoxicating feeling, the beauty of a long term relationship is the comfort of familiarity. Would you like to share your tips?
Don’t forget to join the conversation at 9:00 pm tonight (30th April) on twitter using the hash-tag #NHBi, don’t forget to follow me also @Sisi_Yemmie . #NHBi is a No Holds Barred Interactive online relationship discussion platform using social media for engagement. Every Wednesday 9pm Nigerian Time
Thank you for always reading, I’d love to hear from you!
