Loving someone and being loved is the most beautiful thing in the world. However, it takes a lot of work and commitment to sustain a relationship. It might not always be the smoothest journey, as we know that every relationship has its fair share of ups and downs and burnouts. A perfect relationship is not one without problems but is determined by how you sail through the hardships.
What is your idea of an ideal relationship? If you think a perfect relationship is defined by those aesthetically pleasing pictures that you see on Instagram with lyrical captions, you’re probably mistaken. Undeniably, social media has a massive role in shaping our idea of “relationship goals.” While it might seem that the relationship posts you come across in your feed are innocuous, they are catalytic in tainting our perception of a healthy relationship.
Are Relationship Goals Necessary?
It is easy to assume that love is enough to sustain a relationship, but this is far from the truth. It takes both passion and commitment; otherwise, it might dwindle. Setting relationship goals — short-term and long-term — can help a relationship grow stronger while making sure both partners are on the same page. Being aware of healthy relationship goals will also help you understand the problematic areas of your bond and motivate you to work on them.
What Do Realistic Relationship Goals Look Like?
While social media is brimming with #relationshipgoals posts, the reality is far removed from this. Veering away from the unrealistic expectations that social media presents us with, here are some healthy and attainable goals that will make you stronger as a couple.
Embrace Imperfections - Fairy tales, movies, and social media often portray relationships as flawless, which can give the false impression that a healthy relationship is free of conflict. It is important to remember that perfection is elusive in a relationship. You are not perfect, neither is your partner, you are both two imperfect people who love each other and have chosen to do life together. While ups and downs are part and parcel of any relationship, what is important is knowing how you confront the problems. If you are going through a rough patch in your relationship, seeking counseling can help rekindle the spark.
Align Your Core Values - One of the most important relationship goals that you should strive to achieve is to make sure you and your partner are aligned on your core values and beliefs. This is not a one-and-done task. In fact, it is a process of learning and unlearning certain preconceived notions and evolving as both individuals and as a unit.
Improve Communication - What jeopardizes most relationships are the lack of open conversation. While it is easy to assume that your partner should fully understand you, you should remember that you are two are different individuals with different worldviews, so don’t assume you know how your partner feels about a certain topic, ask them! Your shared goals should also include continually developing your communication skills with each other — critical to a strong relationship.
Do you need help setting and attaining healthy relationship goals? If so, it’s time to speak to an experienced counselor. If you are seeking relationship counseling in Kansas City, get in touch with KC Life Counseling to book your session today!
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