Here, we lay out pieces of hard-earned dating advice that could really change your relationship. The relationship advice we like best gives us new perspectives to consider, new principles to live by. We asked The Cut readers to anonymously share the best relationship advice they have ever received.
Because of this, I spoke with 13 experts in love – from relationship therapists to matchmakers, among others – about the best pieces of love advice that 13 experts in love learned or gave their clients. Whether you are single and searching, dating, or in a committed relationship, getting some love advice from someone you trust can help you put your love dilemma into perspective. Wherever it comes from, the most meaningful pieces of love advice are those nuggets of wisdom that make a measurable difference on a daily basis in your relationships. An honest bit of love advice is this: The best way to build a healthy relationship is to build a healthy relationship with yourself.
The basis for any healthy relationship must be built on respect, trust, and love. What defines a successful marriage is a marriage of mutual respect, love, and trust developed over years. Maintaining the balance of togetherness and independence is crucial to having a long-lasting, happy relationship. The mutual love where each partner truly and genuinely cares for each other and wants what is best for the other is of course important, but there are other crucial factors which promote healthy, lasting, loving relationships.
Without the confidence in your marital partner as your best ally and friend, with whom you can share anything and everything, physical love is insufficient. Once you love and respect each other, you will have the type of relationship that you desire. If you love yourself, then you automatically care for yourself. Look at all your best qualities, and resolve to love yourself exactly as you are now.
You acknowledge things that you like and admire about your partner, and realize they are just doing their best, which could still get them screwed by their lack of awareness. You are an entirely different human being with different experiences and perceptions, so you are not going to always see eye-to-eye – but if you want to see your relationship grow, you must always, always let your partner know they are not wrong for feeling how they feel.
Sometimes, it is the grandparents or best friends who share the one piece of advice on relationships that truly sticks. It is about relationships like you had with your sisters, best friends, and, one day, hopefully, your partners. It is going to allow your partner to feel loved on an authentic, meaningful level.
Make sure to fulfill your partners needs The #1 thing I learned about love is that it is a transaction and social exchange, and it is not just about feelings.
True Love:
Which is being consistently committed to someone who you realize is not going to make you always happy – nor should they! – and someone who is going to have to depend on you, the same way that you are going to depend on them. Keeping our relationships healthy is an important part of living well, and there are a number of amazing couples out there with plenty of advice to share – from the ultra-deep down to the fun and practical.