Relationship Tips for Couples

Becoming a couple is one of the most complex relationships in adulthood. It is also well known that being a couple can contribute to personal growth and self awareness (Long & Young, 2007). Romantic couples are a unique type of relationship that is different from friendships and family bonds because it is based on romantic love. The triangular love theory aims to define romantic love on the basis of three key characteristics being present. These three characteristics are: intimacy, passion and decision/commitment (Hendrick, 2004).

The intimacy component of the romantic relationship refers to feelings of closeness and connectedness. The passionate component refers to the drives that lead to romance, physical attraction, sexual consummation, and other such related phenomena in loving relationships. The decision–commitment component refers to, in the short term, the decision that one loves someone else, and in the long term, the commitment to maintain that love (Hendrick, 2004).

Like most interpersonal relationships, most romantic couples experience some challenge at some point in their relationship. Some of these common challenges may include infidelity, loss of intimacy, communication difficulties, coping with stress challenges, financial pressures, boundary violations, difficulty balancing individual and couple expectations, divorce, separation and breaking up. Whatever the challenge, it is important to note that all dyadic relationships will experience some kind of distress at some point.

Below is a collection of articles that provide useful information for couples who wish to enhance their romantic life and avoid common pitfalls of an intimate relationship. We encourage you to share these resources with friends and loved ones.

1. Relationships: Needs, Wants and Expectations
2. Languages of Love
3. Love Is All You Need
4. The Meaning of Intimacy
5. Three Steps For Better Verbal Intimacy
6. 7 Ways to Improve Intimacy in Your Relationship
7. Listening: The Key to Effective Communication
8. How Collaborative Parenting Can Save Your Relationship
9. Romance, Intimacy and Conflict
10. Coping with Relationship Breakdown

Like this post? Leave a comment below!