How many of you follow some type of relationship goals page on social media? These kinds of pages don’t touch on the reality of the couples they depict through pictures.
They simply show you pictures of happy-looking couples, and you assume that their relationship is perfect. But what about what it really takes to build that kind of happiness?
You may look at all of those social media accounts and think that that’s what you need in order to be happy in your relationship. The truth is that social media has ruined what a healthy and happy relationship really looks like.
More and more people are reporting that social media actually causes hardships in their relationships. You might be jealous that your boyfriend isn’t acting like these Instagram boyfriends, or that your girlfriend doesn’t do all of the things that those other girls online are doing for their boyfriends
Throw away all you’ve ever seen about “real” relationship goals. Those photos of couples standing on a beach holding hands as the sun sets over a mountainous horizon are not what makes for a happy relationship.
1. Having true trust
Forget about holding each other’s hands overlooking a mountainous terrain. Real relationship goals are being able to be at the top of that mountain and trusting that the person you’re with would never let you fall over the edge. Trust is the most important relationship goal that we all need, yet it is the most forgotten.
2. Being honest with each other
I’m not talking about never, ever telling a little white lie. I’m talking about being able to go to your partner and be honest about all of the big things in life. Real relationship goals include being open and honest with your partner about whatever you have to say, knowing that they’ll hear you out every time.
3. Open communication
I don’t care how many cutesy pictures you take and post online, if you can’t communicate how you feel, then your relationship is doomed. Ultimate relationship goals include being able to openly speak your mind and tell your partner how you feel about anything.
4. Caring about each other’s safety
In order to have a healthy and happy relationship, you have to feel safe and protected by your partner. This is definitely one of my relationship goals, because if I didn’t feel this way with someone, how could I ever let loose and enjoy myself? Caring about someone’s safety is caring about their life.
5. Caring about one another’s happiness more than your own
If my boyfriend ever came to the conclusion that he would be happier with someone else, I would let him go. It would obviously be extremely painful to me, but I care about his happiness more than my own. When your partner’s happiness means more than yours, that’s when you know it’s real.
6. Reserving time to spend together
Sometimes, spending time together doesn’t come naturally— you need to make the time. Real relationship goals means reserving special date nights to spend with each other so that you never forget how to enjoy each other’s company.
7. Reserving time to spend apart
Every relationship needs to have time to miss each other. Your relationship goals should include knowing this and being able to make time for yourself. It’s okay—and actually very healthy—not to always be right with your partner every second of every day.
8. Enjoying spending time with each other’s friends
You spend the majority of your time with your significant other, but you spend the rest of your time either alone or with your friends. If your relationship goals include spending a healthy amount of time with both of your friend groups, then you’re absolutely on the right track to a happy relationship.
