Strengthening Relationships

Every relationship—romantic, platonic, workplace, or familial—has its own struggles. Resolving conflict and miscommunications? Definitely a doozy sometimes. Not to mention, working around the differing personality types, love languages, and attachment styles too. But there are methods to the madness that is lifelong romantic relationships and partnerships. Whether you're dating, in a relationship, or have been married for years, learn more about the many challenges of maintaining successful connections.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What builds a strong relationship?

    There are a few tried-and-true methods that work to improve relationships: be a good listener, carve out time together, enjoy a quality sex life, and divvy up those pesky chores. Other things include spending time apart, fighting fairly, and practicing emotional vulnerability.

    Learn More: 7 Surprising Ways to Make Your Relationship Even Better
  • How do I know if I'm in a healthy relationship?

    No relationship is perfect, each having a mix of healthy and unhealthy characteristics. But some common signs of a healthy relationship include trust, openness and self-disclosure, healthy boundaries, mutual respect, good communication, and love and affection.

    Learn More: How to Know If You Are in a Healthy Relationship
  • How can I improve communication in my relationship?

    Healthy communication is the effective exchange of thoughts and feelings between people. It often involves people taking turns speaking and listening. Some effective communication skills include staying focused and alert during conflict, practicing active listening, seeing the opposite point of view, and responding with empathy instead of criticism.

    Learn More: How to Improve Your Relationships With Healthy Communication

Key Terms

  • Attachment Styles

    Attachment styles are patterns that emerge in our earliest emotional bonds with caregivers. These early attachment styles play an important role in child development and also influence attachment patterns in adult relationships

    4 Types of Attachment Styles
  • Introversion

    Introversion is a personality trait characterized by a focus on internal feelings rather than on external sources of stimulation.

    8 Signs You Might Be an Introvert
  • Extroversion

    Extroversion is a type of personality characterized by talkativeness, assertiveness, and warmth.

    How Extroversion in Personality Influences Behavior
  • Love Languages

    The five love languages describe five ways that people receive and express love in a relationship. These are words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch, acts of service, and receiving gifts.

    What Are the Five Love Languages?
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