Relationship Advice Part 1

Hey there! I have been thinking for a very long time about writing about relationship advice, because I have people around me that constantly ask me for it. Before we go any further, I want to say this now, EVERY RELATIONSHIP IS DIFFERENT. Since that is out of the way, let me give you a little bit of insight on my relationship. My boyfriend Alexander and I have been together for a year and about four months now. He is my rock, and I love him with all of my heart. There is no one out there better for me than him, and I thank God for him everyday. I have truly been blessed to be with such a great guy. We've talked about marriage since last July, so two months after we started dating. Now that was mostly me just getting a feel for how serious he was about me. We began really talking about it right before he left for California for a week last October, and we've talked about getting married and what we both want on and off since then, but over the last few months, we've gone to look at rings so he has an idea. We've also begun to really think about houses and our jobs, when we want kids, and etc. The more we talk about it, the closer we get, though that isn't the case for everyone. Now neither one of us really "wears the pants", because we try to be equal. This has worked out so well for us, and it helps us get along, especially with trust and being long distance. I generally do a lot of the planning, because I don't really like to "wing it" with most things, especially my time with him. That being said, if I don't makes plans for when we hang spend the day together, and a generalization of what we're going to do that day, we'd never see each other. He isn't much of a planner, and to be honest, his parents have personally invited me to more family functions and things like that than he has. Like I said, that's just how he is. It works though because I can't stand planning, so I plan, and he just waits for when I say is going to work for us both. The next thing I am going to say should be a no brainer, but it often goes over looked. Here it is, it's one of THE BIGGEST KEYS to a functioning relationship, you ready? COMMUNICATION!!! I cannot stress this enough. I can't even begin to tell you the arguments that we have had because of miscommunication, or not communicating enough. It will save you so much heartache if you just talk to each other and listen to the other person. Next, before you make any big steps, make sure you are both on the same page. Doesn't matter what it is, be on the same page. I'm not saying word for word, but make sure it's something you both want. Okay, so the next is also kind of common sense, but hey, it get's looked over. COMPROMISE!! Being with another person requires give and take. Like watching a TV show they want, so that later you can watch something that you want to watch. Don't want to go out? Make you significant other dinner/lunch. It can't always be all about you, or all about them. You want to make sure you are both happy, and in some way both get what you want. Let them pick the restaurant this time, and next time you pick. Little things and big things. Make it so you both win, and come out happy. Now, there are a lot of things I'm leaving out, but leave me comments on what you think I should add for part 2 and any questions. Write ya next time, thanks for reading! -Cassandra