Ogunshina Bosun

HOW TO MAKE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WORK Failed relationships are commonplace in our society; it is getting increasingly difficult to have relationships that stand the test of time. There are some things that a needed to be done to achieve a successful relationship or marriage. COMMUNICATION Being able to express oneself clearly to one’s partner and receive feedback from whatever message passed, will go a long way in solving and resolving many issues in a relationship. Many relationships fail because partners bottle a lot inside and refuse to share with each other whatever is troubling them. At the end of the day, they lash out in anger when they can’t keep it in anymore. A lot of the time, words said in anger cause more than good. Try speaking in a calm and clear manner and pass your message across. It is important for the other person to respond to whatever has been said to ensure that your message has not been misinterpreted and that the fears, hurt and anger expressed are clearly seen for what they are. There is no relationship that can survive without effective communication. CREATE TIME In trying to ends meet, everybody has a very busy schedule. It is important that despite these busy schedules however, that partners create time for each other. A lot things like career, children and friends take time from partners. Lack of alone time between partners when they can spend time with each other with any interruption anyone will help spice up the relationship and prevent their relationship from becoming routine, boring and mundane. Try recreating the spark by taking your partner out to have fun, go see a movie as couple, take walks in the park, let your partner know they are the most important to you and no matter how crazy life gets, you will always have time for them. HONESTY When I was growing up, I was taught the saying “honesty is the best policy.” This saying applies till today. Lying to your partner often leads to consequences that often lead to regret because lies have a way of being found out sooner or later. There’s a Yoruba proverb that loosely translates thus; if a lie travels for twenty years one day the truth will catch up with it. There is nothing that can hurt more than discovering a dishonest partner. It is therefore important, that no matter how difficult it is, stay totally honest with your partner. Remember honesty is the best policy. Relationships are complex and there’s no sure fire or formula to ensure a fruitful and lasting one. Adopting these few steps however, will aid in strengthening your relationship.