How do we know our relationships are truly loving? There are several things that people in love tend to do:
1) Listening. A person who loves you will listen to what you are saying. A person who truly loves you will give his or her full attention to what you're trying to say, since every word that comes out of your mouth is very important to him or her.
2) Action. Words like "I love you" have no meaning without actions to back them up! A person who truly loves you will do everything in his or her power to meet your needs. It could be fixing your favorite dinner "just because," or offering help out with the kids when you need a night out to yourself. Also, he or she will take the time to ask what it is what you want and need ... and deliver on that promise.
3) Commitment. A person who loves you will be dedicated to you, whether it be a marriage or partnership. No relationship is perfect and there will be times when you both will wonder if the relationship will last ... but a couple who put equal (or near equal) time in the relationship won't find a reason to stray.
4) Enjoying just "being with you." A person who loves you will enjoy your company, even if it's just an afternoon of watching TV, playing cards, or visiting the in-laws. You don't have to "prove" yourself with this person, since he or she is happy with who you are, and does not expect you to change to something that you're not.
5) Being open and honest. A truly loving partner will be honest with you regarding everything. A person who loves you does not have anything to hide.
6) Trust. A person who loves you trusts you! A mature, loving partner will never snoop on Facebook, email or through your friends. He or she is confident with your love for them.
These things are all vital for a relationship to survive and thrive!
In many relationships, two issues eventually come up! Marriage and children ... two "biggies!" Since we all have individual needs and desires, it's inevitable that some conflict will arise.
1) To marry or not to marry? When we fall in love, our partners don't not always want the same things we do. Marriage and children are two "biggies." Many people have had bad experiences with marriage and are reluctant to take that step again, no matter how much they love their current partner. Usually it's the man who is afraid of marriage due to a nasty divorce, but there are many women who also fall in this category. If you truly love your partner who doesn't want to walk down the isle, you will need to understand this and reach some kind of compromise ... such as owning a house together. Your partner will also need to understand and respect your needs, and do everything in his or her power to assure there's commitment in the relationship. In many instances, a truly loving relationship will eventually result in marriage.
2) What about the kids? Most people want kids sooner or later. However, not everyone dreams of having them -- this is common with divorced men who have already raised a family. It is also common with women who are advancing in their careers and are not interested in having children. If you want children and your partner does not, some kind of compromise has to be met. Perhaps you'll decide to adopt later, or maybe you and your partner can mentor needy children. Sometimes, after a few years, many couples agree to have a child together. It all boils down to the willingness to raise a family -- from both of you.
If you have any questions regarding YOUR relationships, I am here for you all day and through the night!
Brightest Blessings,
Penney
1) Listening. A person who loves you will listen to what you are saying. A person who truly loves you will give his or her full attention to what you're trying to say, since every word that comes out of your mouth is very important to him or her.
2) Action. Words like "I love you" have no meaning without actions to back them up! A person who truly loves you will do everything in his or her power to meet your needs. It could be fixing your favorite dinner "just because," or offering help out with the kids when you need a night out to yourself. Also, he or she will take the time to ask what it is what you want and need ... and deliver on that promise.
3) Commitment. A person who loves you will be dedicated to you, whether it be a marriage or partnership. No relationship is perfect and there will be times when you both will wonder if the relationship will last ... but a couple who put equal (or near equal) time in the relationship won't find a reason to stray.
4) Enjoying just "being with you." A person who loves you will enjoy your company, even if it's just an afternoon of watching TV, playing cards, or visiting the in-laws. You don't have to "prove" yourself with this person, since he or she is happy with who you are, and does not expect you to change to something that you're not.
5) Being open and honest. A truly loving partner will be honest with you regarding everything. A person who loves you does not have anything to hide.
6) Trust. A person who loves you trusts you! A mature, loving partner will never snoop on Facebook, email or through your friends. He or she is confident with your love for them.
These things are all vital for a relationship to survive and thrive!
In many relationships, two issues eventually come up! Marriage and children ... two "biggies!" Since we all have individual needs and desires, it's inevitable that some conflict will arise.
1) To marry or not to marry? When we fall in love, our partners don't not always want the same things we do. Marriage and children are two "biggies." Many people have had bad experiences with marriage and are reluctant to take that step again, no matter how much they love their current partner. Usually it's the man who is afraid of marriage due to a nasty divorce, but there are many women who also fall in this category. If you truly love your partner who doesn't want to walk down the isle, you will need to understand this and reach some kind of compromise ... such as owning a house together. Your partner will also need to understand and respect your needs, and do everything in his or her power to assure there's commitment in the relationship. In many instances, a truly loving relationship will eventually result in marriage.
2) What about the kids? Most people want kids sooner or later. However, not everyone dreams of having them -- this is common with divorced men who have already raised a family. It is also common with women who are advancing in their careers and are not interested in having children. If you want children and your partner does not, some kind of compromise has to be met. Perhaps you'll decide to adopt later, or maybe you and your partner can mentor needy children. Sometimes, after a few years, many couples agree to have a child together. It all boils down to the willingness to raise a family -- from both of you.
If you have any questions regarding YOUR relationships, I am here for you all day and through the night!
Brightest Blessings,
Penney