Reading Corner
Links related to the weekly posts.
This week, we wrote about why little things like thank you are important in relationships. Here are some blog posts that delve into this topic and give many examples.
When It Comes to Love, Little Things Mean a Lot “We’ve heard it before but it’s true: It’s the little things that matter. In any genuine long-term loving relationship, we (correctly) give a greater romantic weight to the small gestures that show us evidence of love beyond the brief time spent in sex. There are those who specialize in one-off grand romantic gestures: giving diamonds, whisking their lover abroad, or taking them for lavish dinners at fancy restaurants. However, those actions mainly express a momentary mood and not enduring, profound love.”
The Little Things in Relationships That Matter the Most “When we think of love and happy relationships, it’s often the big occasions and grand gestures that come to mind. Celebrating occasions like birthdays and anniversaries with one’s partner can be fun and exciting. Performing grand romantic gestures like gifting them something expensive, whisking them off on holiday, or treating them to a fancy meal can surprise and delight them. However, in long-term relationships, it’s often the little things that matter most. The small, everyday acts of caring and the simple but sincere words of love and support can play a big part in ensuring happiness and well-being.”
Why the Little Things in a Relationship Mean Everything “Grand gestures of love can bring surprise and joy to your partner, but the little things in relationships may consistently strengthen your bond and increase emotional security. Would you prefer having your partner gift you a new car or show you one small act of affection and thoughtfulness daily? For many people, daily affirmations and acts of love and caring mean more than a singular, grand gesture. The little things in relationships can be constant reminders that your partner thinks of you and cares about you.”
This week, our blog topic was why sharing is so important in your relationships. Here are three blogs that speak to different elements of this topic.
How Self-Disclosure Impacts Relationships “Building a successful relationship involves a mutual give-and-take between partners. Self-disclosure may be more limited in the early stages of a new relationship, but part of the reason people grow closer and more deeply involved is that they become progressively more open to sharing with their partner. In order to build a deep and trusting relationship, some level of self-disclosure is necessary and the more intimate the relationship, the deeper this disclosure tends to be.”
The Importance of Emotional Intimacy “Emotional Intimacy is important to a healthy relationship because it allows partners to feel safe and secure in connection. It allows for a greater level of communication and understanding. When Emotional Intimacy is present, partners are more likely to feel satisfied and fulfilled in their relationship. However, Emotional Intimacy is not something that comes easily to everyone. It takes time and effort to build trust and understand each other’s needs. It is important to be open and honest with each other and to make an effort to understand the other person’s perspective.”
How to Share Your Feelings “You’ll have heard me mention before that sharing connects us as humans and opens the door to receiving the love, support, and guidance we need to heal and thrive. Sharing your feelings helps to nurture the authenticity, trust, and open communication that are so important for healthy relationships.”
This week, we asked why balance is important in your relationships. Here are some writers expounding on different aspects of balance.
How to Maintain Balance in a Relationship: 10 Practical Ways “Knowing how to maintain balance is the key to having a healthy relationship where both partners feel comfortable and supported. A balanced relationship is built on trust, honesty, respect, and loyalty. Open communication is the watchword of most balanced relationships. Before the relationship can be successful, the partners must be committed to some extent. You must see yourself as an equal member and be treated the same way.”
Interdependence – Finding Balance & Harmony in Love “The healthiest way we can interact with those close to us is by being truly interdependent. This is where two people, both strong individuals, are involved with each other, but without sacrificing themselves or compromising their values. What they have is a balanced relationship, and unfortunately it is not all that common. But it is attainable with just a little awareness and understanding.”
How to balance responsibilities in your relationship “It’s critical to remember that a relationship is a blend of two unique people, both of whom need to be invested, flexible, and open to change for it to be successful. It’s your responsibility to ask for what you need and make space for it to be possible to help you, but it’s your partner’s responsibility to be open to listening and making changes when necessary. It isn’t your responsibility to single-handedly get your partner more invested in your relationship.”
This week, we said that respect is a small word with big importance in relationships. Here are some writers expounding on different aspects of respect.
The Need for Mutual Respect in a Relationship “Many factors contribute to a long-term relationship’s viability: for example, net equal contributions to the relationship, reasonable emotional stability, and similar sexual appetite. But maybe most important is mutual respect. That facilitates so much in a relationship:”
The Importance of Mutual Respect in a Relationship “A successful relationship is built on many things – love, trust, communication and mutual respect. Yet, it is no secret that mutual respect is a fundamental cornerstone that plays a significant role in determining the longevity and success of any relationship. It is undoubtedly the foundation upon which all other aspects of a relationship can be built. In this article, we will delve deeper into the concept of mutual respect, its importance, the role it plays in building trust and the different ways it can impact a relationship.”
Importance of Respect In A Relationship “What is the importance of respect in a relationship then? Why should partners respect each other? While love is an important aspect and the reason why two individuals enter into a relationship, respect is the key that binds them together. It makes for a strong foundation for a relationship. Here, we list 5 reasons why respect is important for a relationship to survive:”
This week, we wrote about why relationships last, and named acceptance, acknowledgment, and appreciation as the prime factors. Here are some articles discussing their importance.
The Importance of Appreciation in a Relationship “I feel, as human beings, we constantly crave for positive attention. And appreciating someone is the best way to go about doing it. The problem starts when we don’t even notice how we slipped into the habit of taking each other for granted and stopped caring for, and appreciating each other. This leads to other problems – arguments, frustration, resentment and suddenly we begin to wonder if this relationship is meant to work out.”
The Five Keys to Mindful Loving “In his book, How To Be An Adult in Relationships, David Richo talks about the Five A’s that help relationships flourish and deepen into real fulfillment. Too often, we don’t really ask ourselves, “What do I really want in my relationships?” Usually we know what we don’t want or don’t like, but that doesn’t help lead us in the right direction. Richo’s Five A’s are: Attention, Acceptance, Appreciation, Affection, and Allowing.”
The Importance of Acknowledgement: How It Impacts Relationships, Work, and Communication “We all crave recognition and validation for our efforts, achievements, and contributions. Acknowledgement plays a crucial role in our lives, influencing our sense of self-worth and overall well-being. Whether it’s in personal relationships, professional settings, or everyday conversations, understanding why acknowledgement matters can transform the way we connect with others.”