We all have various concepts about what true love is. Most of us created our beliefs by reflecting on what we saw as children. Some of us have no idea where our definition of true love originated.
Most people prefer the idea of true love meaning something that results in a happily ever after. Everything will be perfect once you find the right person. But this is an everyday world, and things may
What is True Love in a Relationship
True love is a person meeting their ideal match in the movies. True love, on the other hand, does not look like this.
“True love is sacrifice. Contrary to popular belief, Disney, or Hallmark, often doesn't look like the movies. What it does look like is Jesus. Jesus laid down His life for us, and that's how we're called to love other people. It's also not easy. It's not always sunshine and rainbows. The honeymoon phase doesn't last forever (and this comes from someone who hasn't even had their honeymoon). But that's the thing about true love. The true definition of love is found only in the pages of the Gospel and those who strive to live with the kind of love that Jesus died to give us. Anything else this world attempts to provide is counterfeit.” – says Amber Ginter.
True love is two people who are prepared to set aside their selfish needs for the sake of the other. It means you care about someone so much that you're ready to overlook their flaws. Whenever it comes to relationships, what you give is often what you receive. The more you dedicate to improving your relationship, the stronger your connection will be.
Common Myths About True Love
- Long only lasts for a short time. For many years, evolutionary psychologists speculated that intimate, real love only lasted long enough for partners to match, partner, and raise a child into toddler years. The famous phrase “love lasts three years.” However, research suggests intense, passionate love can last decades for specific individuals.
- Opposites attract. There are certainly some cases of against-the-odds romance, but the chances of that happening suggest you're more likely to match with someone similar. All of this makes sense: we prefer individuals with similar traits.
- Online dating never works. Many people meet their long-term partners online these days. Internet dating can be incredibly challenging and presents unique challenges compared to traditional dating. One of the most common mistakes people make when dating online is having a long list of requirements for a potential partner. Just relax and go with the flow.
- You need to find your other half. A romantic partner cannot solve all of your troubles. Considering another human as your “other half” can be disturbing—what if you two end the relationship? Remember that you are a complete person regardless of whether or not you're in a relationship.
10 Tips for Building a Strong and Healthy Relationship
- Maintain open and truthful communication.
Communication is an essential component of any partnership. Once both people understand what they want from the relationship and feel comfortable showing their wants and worries, trust and companionship can thrive. You can even share your ambitions and aspirations so that you know how to move ahead to achieve them.
- Spend time with your loved ones.
Spending more quality time together is one of the most efficient methods for maintaining your romance alive. The face-to-face interaction in early dating days was slowly replaced by rushed texts, emails, and instant messages for so many couples. Commit to spending quality time with each other regularly. Regardless of how preoccupied you are, take a few minutes each day to appreciate each other.
- Be an attentive listener.
While our society places a high value on talking, learning to listen in a manner that makes another person feel appreciated and acknowledged can help you form a stronger bond.
- Control your stress.
How often have you been stressed and yelled at by a loved one, saying or doing something you deeply regretted? When stressed or physically and psychologically overwhelmed, you are more likely to misinterpret and offend your romantic partner.
- Acknowledge your partner's priorities.
Understanding what is truly meaningful to your partner will go a long way toward fostering goodwill and a culture of common ground. It's also critical that your partner recognizes your desires and that you express them clearly.
- Expect ups and downs.
Recognizing that you will only sometimes be on the same page is critical. Sometimes one partner is dealing with a stressful situation. You could also have various concepts regarding managing your finances or raising your children.
- Be respectful of your partner.
Respecting your partner's uniqueness is essential for a genuinely loving relationship. When we lack perspective and avoid thinking of our partner as a unique individual, we frequently start acting in more overbearing, manipulative, or downright rude rather than delicate, understanding, and self-reliant ways.
- Be open and honest.
Openness is essential for a wholesome relationship. Keeping secrets from your beloved because things that seem insignificant to you may strike a sensitive spot with your partner, causing irreversible damage in the long run.
- Boundaries must be respected.
Whether or not it involves your partner, every partnership should have clearly defined boundaries that no one can cross.
- Trust
Trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship, but it is imperative in romantic relationships. If you trust them, you must feel comfortable and secure when they are around.
Challenges in a partnership can sometimes appear too complicated or intimidating for you to manage as a couple. Couples therapy or talking with a close person can be advantageous.
