Humans are social creatures, and most of us yearn to have close relationships with other people. Relationships require hard work and communication, but you may still have a hard time understanding other people's thinking. This article can help you understand where you stand in a romantic relationship, understand the different types of relationships, and identify the signs of a healthy relationship.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Defining a Romantic Relationship
Step 1. Decide when the time is right for a serious conversation
If you've been spending a lot of time with someone and feel you have feelings for them, but aren't sure if they feel the same way, it may be time to have a “defining relationship” (DTR) conversation. This discussion is quite important and the parties involved will decide if they are just friends or more. If it's more than just friendship, what exactly is their relationship situation?
- It's often hard to understand where you stand in a romantic relationship unless you talk about it. DTR discussions allow you to express your feelings and change your status from “just friends” to “dating” or “dating” officially.
- It might be time to have a DTR discussion if you're thinking about asking him out or if you're considering having sex with him, or have already done so.
Step 2. Have this discussion privately
Having a conversation about relationship status shouldn't be done by texting or in public. It's better to have this kind of important discussion in private so you can evaluate the other person's reaction.
Sometimes certain conditions allow you to have a written conversation, for example you are very shy or don't want to make the position difficult. In situations like this, put your feelings in a handwritten letter, don't type it or send it via text message. This will allow you to convey your feelings personally and also have the opportunity to change your words before sending the letter
Step 3. Express your feelings openly
Tell him how you feel about him, and ask him how he feels about you. There's no need to ask him to commit. All you have to do is ask him what he thinks about all the moments we've had together, and find out if he's attracted to you more than friends.
- Don't be overly dramatic or try to be overly romantic when you first express your feelings to someone. That kind of attitude might look cute in the movies, but he could feel cornered hearing you express your burning love for him when he only sees you as a friend. It's better to be honest and hold back a little if you do feel in love with him.
- Try to express yourself by saying, “I really enjoyed spending time with you. Maybe it's just my feelings, but do you also feel that there is something between us? I think I'm starting to like you more than just a friend. How about you?"
Step 4. Give him time to think
If your friend doesn't know that you have feelings for them, starting a conversation about DTR might come as a surprise to them. Give him time to digest this information and consider his feelings instead of expressing how you feel right now.
In some cases, for example, if you've been showing a physical attraction to him for a long time, it might not hurt to ask him to be honest about what he wants if the relationship continues. However, if at this point you are just friends, he may need some time to process the information
Part 2 of 3: Recognizing Healthy Relationships
Step 1. Try to know everyone's expectations
In any relationship, everyone should know what the other party's expectations are so that no one feels taken advantage of or ignored.
- If you're dating someone, it's important for both parties to agree on issues such as how often you'll see each other, how often you'll call or text, what level of intimacy you want, and whether you'll also date someone else.
- In marital and professional relationships, it is important to understand each person's roles and responsibilities to avoid feelings of hurt or confusion.
Step 2. Communicate effectively and openly
The quality of any relationship can be improved by improving communication. Unfortunately, most people don't know how to communicate effectively as they grow older. As a result, it can be difficult to have important conversations or maintain an opinion if the two of you are not working together to learn the basics of effective communication.
- In a relationship, you must work through conflicts and disagreements by remembering that you are both on the same team. Instead of viewing disagreements as an opportunity to prove you're right or as a means to win an argument, try to view it as a challenge to reach a mutually beneficial solution.
- Don't hold on to negative feelings for too long without expressing them to your partner, as this will cause you to feel irritated. If you're feeling angry or sad about your current relationship, ask yourself why you feel that way, then talk to your partner. Tell your partner how you feel and what you think might help them deal with it.
Step 3. Find a balance between your needs and the needs of your partner
We are often told to put the needs of others before our own, and selflessness in a relationship can be a huge advantage. However, you should not sacrifice your own needs or happiness to satisfy others. Otherwise, you will end up exhausted and disappointed.
- Take time to relax when you need it. There's nothing wrong with wanting to spend an evening with friends, or taking the time to read your favorite book.
- Don't be afraid to tell your partner what you need.
Step 4. Watch for signs of a weakening relationship
In any relationship, you should feel excited and happy to have had the opportunity to know your partner. However, sometimes the relationship becomes a burden, it can even affect the state of mind. If the relationship isn't working normally, it may be time to end it or seek counseling. Watch for the following warning signs in a relationship:
- One party has more power or control than the other, and imposes its will. This includes limiting who your partner can spend time with, how the money is spent, or setting limits on physical contact.
- One or both parties become very manipulative and try to get the partner to respond by evoking guilt, pity, or jealousy.
- One party always gives, while the other party always receives. For example, a friend may always expect you to drop plans for her sake, get her out of trouble, or have physical intimacy without commitment.
Part 3 of 3: Understanding the Different Types of Relationships
Step 1. Recognize that relationships mean different things to different people
In life, we meet different types of people and have complex and personal relationships with them. There are different types of relationships including friendship, work, love, and family relationships.
It is important to remember that relationships are individual and different as are the individuals involved in them. There are always different expectations in every relationship. Sometimes, you can express it clearly by talking to each other, but other times expectations are just unspoken rules that develop as people spend time together
Step 2. Learn about the different types of friendships
Friendship is platonic, and that means no sexual intercourse. These relationships satisfy our need as humans to want to be surrounded by other people we think we have in common and make us feel important, safe, and valued as individuals.
- Some relationships are just casual "acquaintances" and are formed with people who pass you in the corridor and smile or say hello. Acquaintances help you feel connected to the outside world, but you usually won't take them out to lunch or coffee. The only thing you expect from them is politeness.
- There is also another relationship, namely casual friendship. You may meet by accident (for example, a classmate) and you may interact regularly because you share common interests and schedules. You can chat with them about light topics, but you don't really know them as individuals.
- Closer friends are people you trust and choose on purpose. When you're with them, you feel like you can be yourself, and you don't have to try to impress them. You have to work hard to maintain an intimate friendship because it is an obligation for both parties to give each other attention as part of the friendship.
- A best friend is a close friend who has proven to be loyal, loyal, and trustworthy. Friendships like these have often stood the test of time. Best friends feel they know each other well. Not everyone has or needs close friends, and that's okay.
Step 3. Understand that good friendships are very important
A friend could be someone you have fun with, or someone you can trust to listen to your voice when you're having trouble or someone you turn to for advice when you need it. True friends have an important place in your life because they help you get to know yourself better, make good choices, and connect you with others.
- True friends tell each other the truth and don't neglect each other's interests. You can tell that someone is not a true friend if they lie to please or trick you, or if they underestimate your hard work or don't care about your success.
- Maintaining friendships can take hard work. Try to make time to call or visit a friend every week just to see how they're doing or to let them know you're thinking about them.
Step 4. Understand that love relationships are sometimes complicated
Like friendships, love relationships can also vary; some are casual or very intimate, depending on how well you know each other and how committed you are to each other (in other words, what each other's expectations of your partner are).
- Some people prefer casual dating and spending a lot of time with lots of people, maybe even having sex with multiple partners without commitment. The benefits of this kind of relationship allow you to identify the characteristics you like in your partner, and give you the opportunity to develop communication and other interpersonal skills without the pressure of commitment.
- Others prefer to be emotionally attached and committed to just one person. In the end, most people hope to find someone with whom they can engage in a long-term relationship or marriage.
Step 5. Learn about professional relationships
These relationships involve people we see every day, but we don't necessarily have close relationships with. These relationships can play an important role in your success. If you develop good relationships with colleagues or classmates, you can show that you can work together in a team.
- Try to treat all coworkers with respect and friendliness, even if they aren't people you would choose as friends in a social context. Coworkers have different life experiences that can be useful in the world of work. So look for everyone's strengths.
- Sometimes professional relationships can be tinged with love or friendship, and this is often confusing (in the case of love relationships, sometimes it goes against the rules of the workplace). Remember to always be professional at work and treat everyone equally.
Step 6. Familiarize yourself with romantic relationships
Whether you're dating or married, this kind of relationship can be quite complicated and difficult to understand.
- A love relationship provides an opportunity for a person to open his heart to another, and creates an intimate bond with one another. Your partner will see the good and the bad in you, but he can accept it and still love you. Communication plays a key role in maintaining a healthy and happy love relationship.
- Intimacy in a romantic relationship can cause deep pain and sadness, hurt feelings, and disappointment. Be careful when choosing who you open your heart to, but you also have to be willing to take risks in the name of love. Otherwise, you may end up missing out on a great relationship.
Step 7. Look for quality in any relationship
You must prioritize depth and sincerity. It's better to focus on a few good, solid and fulfilling relationships rather than getting involved in a lot of superficial relationships.
