subject: How to Build a Strong Relationship – What are the First Steps? [print this page] How to Build a Strong Relationship What are the First Steps?
Do you want to build a strong relationship that lasts? Have you finally met that special guy? What do you do to take things to the next level? There's a big step between dating and commitment. If you lay the right foundation, you can build a strong relationship.
Step 1 Stay whole.
You might feel completely consumed by your new love. It's hard to think about anything else. But, you will have to retain your identity if you want to be in a truly fulfilling partnership.
You can't build a strong relationship if you aren't your own person. During the early stages, make every effort to keep up with your other interests. You can shoot yourself in the foot if you erase the things that made you attractive to him in the first place.
Step 2 Don't expect him to read your mind.
You might find yourself unable to imagine life without your new guy. But, that doesn't mean that he knows what you want. It also doesn't mean that you can expect him to feel the same way.
You need to be able to tell him how you feel. If you haven't gotten to the point where you can comfortably discuss your relationship yet, you might need to slow down. Which brings us to the next step:
Step 3 Don't try to force things.
If you are still in the heady infatuation stage, you might feel certain that you want a relationship. But, you need to take things slowly. Your mind will eventually calm down, and you will gain some perspective.
You don't want to make your guy feel pressured. And, you want to be able to take enough time to really decide if this is right for you. If you can't see his faults at the moment, you probably need to wait.
It is notoriously difficult to keep your wits about you when you feel the rush of new love. But if you take the time to build a strong relationship early on, it will pay off in the long run.
