Starting a new relationship can be a huge task. From asking the right questions to understanding their past without judgement- new relationship advice always comes to your wrecking nerves’ rescue.
The beginning of a new relationship is nothing like the old romantic movies- you lock eyes with them, and at the first ‘hello’, you know they are the one. Unlike these moments, starting a new relationship can make or break the prospect of something beautiful and long-lasting.
It’s natural to feel passion and attraction for the person you are dating. But being too enchanted by them can cause you to overlook some potential red flags that will be the reason for the eventual breakup.
Here is some new relationships advice everyone should follow!
Adding variety to your dates will allow you to see your partner navigate through different situations. Besides, in a new relationship, why go for monotonous dinner or lunch dates when you can go on a hike together, take a morning walk, have brunch with friends and colleagues, or do some activity you enjoy? Also, remember that you don’t have to spend much money for a delightful time with your new partner.
They call you for one date, you can call them for the next. Take turns while planning for dates. After all, a new relationship also means that you are getting to know one another, and there is so much that hasn’t come to the surface, like what their childhood was like, where they like to go on vacation, and what their career plans are, etc. These stories are best suited for in-person dates. If you or they are the only one planning for dates, the other person will not make an effort because they have figured out that you will.
The new relationship makes you want to be with them all the time, but that’s something you begin to lose yourself, worse yet, your friends. In the most long-lasting relationships, partners maintain their sense of independence. Don’t limit your life and routine; see your friends and family, continue to work on your goals and dreams, and prioritise yourself. Unfortunately, people in new relationships often forget their routine, dreams or goals, making the relationship their sole priority. Such a practice puts a lot of pressure on the relationship to be the only source of their happiness. Don’t lose your independence.
Don’t forget to talk about your sexual health, when and if you are comfortable with it. If you don’t yet feel comfortable talking about STDs or STIs, then it’s not the time to have sex. Instead, have an honest conversation about health before getting intimate. These conversations ensure more confidence and comfort in your new relationship. Besides this, you should also not avoid discussing what you like and do not like in bed and what you’d be okay to try.
Also, read: Intimate Questions to Ask your Partner
Red flags, in simple words, are the warning signs of unhealthy and manipulative behaviours. These behaviours are not noticeable at first but can be the very cause of the sad demise of a relationship. If your new partner criticises you, makes plans and then cancels them, talks about their ex all the time, lies, or treats others poorly- it’s a blaring red sign for you to make an out of the relationship.
Some behaviours are non-negotiable. For example, physical, sexual, emotional abuse, super secretive, etc. are signs that you shouldn’t consider worth investing your time and energy in. After all, for you to enter a new relationship, you must see all of them, not just the good things.
Also, read- When is a relationship toxic?
The new relationship calls for new things! Try to be open to trying new foods, activities, and places! Allow yourself to come out of your comfort zone and try out new things with your new partner. Starting a new relationship is supposed to be light and fun. You will have time for controversial topics later in the relationship.
Treating yourself with respect and dignity sets an example of how they should treat you. It also shows you will not tolerate certain behaviours or acts of disrespect. There’s nothing wrong with living with your principles and knowing what’s best for you. For example, if they make an impromptu plan while you have a date night with your best friends, you don’t have to ditch your friends for it. You can stay with them and suggest to your partner a different day for the date.
There’s no need to hide experiences that shaped you. By this I mean you don’t have to feel shame for being vulnerable with your partner. Your previous partner cheated on you, was a toxic person, or abused you- find a way to speak about these things with your new partner. A new relationship builds on honest and vulnerable communication. Find the right time and space to talk about the less ideal stuff from your past.
There’s no such thing as too soon or too late. You have sex with your partner when you feel ready and comfortable with one another. The amount of time a couple waits before having sex depends is different for all couples. Don’t have sex with a worry that they will lose interest in you if you wait. If such an issue arises, then you know they are not the one.
Also, read- 40 Dirty Talks for a Relationship
Say what you mean, how you mean, and be direct. Blaming your partner for something you don’t like can escalate into an argument. Instead, you can try saying, ‘I feel ____ when you do ___.’ Don’t expect them to read your mind. Speak up about the things you don’t feel okay about, and be honest when you feel hurt by something they said or did. Avoid yelling, name-calling, insulting and judging each other. Choose your battles wisely; don’t spend your energy talking about the things that serve you no purpose.
Also, read- 35 Characteristics of a healthy relationship
