If you are just starting a new relationship, you need to read this to know the necessary things to do at the start of a relationship, so you don’t flop.
The beginning of any new relationship is usually a lot of fun. Think about it: Someone you like and enjoy, feels the same way about you. What could feel better than that, right? But even if both parties are on the same page feelings-wise, it’s still important to maintain decorum because, no matter how into each other you are, there are still some right and wrong ways to begin any new relationship that can ruin the whole thing.
Of course, it’s totally natural to feel intense passion and attraction for the person you’re seeing, but being so enraptured may cause you to ignore potential red flags, such as the misalignment of your core beliefs and values.
The following points are things you should take note at the beginning of your relationship:
1. Add Variety to Your Dates
Mixing things up early on is a great idea. Instead of the usual Netflix-and-chill scenario, you can suggest taking morning walks together, scheduling lunch dates, and enjoying the company of friends and colleagues. “It can be an eye opener to see your partner in the midst of different situations and relationships. Plus, one potential road to a breakup is monotony, so try to avoid getting stuck in a rut too early on by keeping each date different than the last. Keep in mind: You don’t have to spend a ton of money to have a great date with your new partner.
2. Don’t be too forward
Every date can feel like a first date in a new relationship because there’s so much ground to cover: where you went to school, what your hometowns are like, and how many pets you had growing up, among about a million other topics to address. Our advice? Save these sweet stories for in-person dates. If they initiated plans the first time, you can initiate the second time and so on, but don’t always be the person texting first, calling, and initiating plans.”
If they get used to you being the one doing all of the planning and reaching out, they’ll stop making an effort because they know you will.
3. Do Maintain Independence
Spending every waking moment with a new partner can put you at risk of losing yourself and your friends, too. “In the most long-lasting relationships, partners maintain their sense of independence. “See family and friends, continue to exercise and work hard, and prioritize alone-time; balance is important.” If you make your whole life about your new partner, you end up putting a lot of pressure on the relationship to be your sole source of happiness and fulfillment.
Also Check Out: 10-signs-you-might-be-settling-in-a-relationship
4. Don’t Skip the Sexual Health Conversation
“If you aren’t comfortable asking them about STDs and STIs or telling them about your own sexual health, it’s not yet the time to have sex. Wait until you’re both comfortable having an honest conversation about health before becoming intimate. That way, you’ll be able to enjoy it more and have a bit more confidence in the relationship.
You also shouldn’t feel shame talking about sex outside of health. Tell your partner what you like, what you don’t like, and what you’d want to try.
5. Do Watch Out for Red Flags
Ignoring red flags only prolongs the inevitable demise of the relationship. If, say, your new love criticizes you, makes plans, and repeatedly cancels, you catch them in a lie, or you see them treating others poorly, “they’re probably not worth investing in for the long-term. Trust us, it’s easy to throw on a pair of rose-colored glasses when you really like someone because you want to see the best in them, but it’s important to see all of someone, not just the good things.
6. Be open minded
Try to remain open to trying new foods and participating in new activities… “The start of a new relationship ought to be light and fun, and things can become more serious with time.” With that in mind, maybe keep the conversations about highly controversial topics to a minimum in the beginning.
7. Respect Yourself
Treating yourself well sets an example of how your partner should treat you, and it signifies what you will and will not tolerate. “There’s nothing wrong with being principled, knowing yourself, and being yourself. Do things for yourself, too.” If they call you with an impromptu date invitation, but you need a self-care night to put on a face mask and snuggle with your furry friend, suggest a different day for date night.
8. Don’t Have Sex Too Soon
We live in a time of sex-positivity, meaning we don’t believe that you should wait until a certain amount of time goes by before having sex with your new partner for the first time. “The amount of time to wait before having sex differs for every couple; there is no such thing as too soon or too long. The right time is when both people are 100% ready. The worst thing you can do in a new relationship is to have sex before you feel ready because you’re worried they’ll lose interest in you if you wait.
9. Communicate Often and Well
“Say what you mean and mean what you say, be direct and considerate, choose battles wisely, treat your partner well, and avoid destructive things like yelling, insulting, and judging. You may notice that you feel like you can read your childhood friends’ minds because you know them so well, but that kind of closeness comes with time and, unfortunately, years together is the one thing you and your new partner don’t have. You can’t expect them to be able to guess what you’re thinking, so be as communicative as you possibly can.
