How to Achieve Wealth and Happiness by Strengthening Your Bond with Your Partner
Many people think that an abundant lifestyle is about having money and everything material. Well, if that is what you think, you may be in for a disappointment.
Of course, we would all rather be rich and miserable than poor and miserable, but to have wealth and happiness is possible.
How? By improving your relationship with your partner.
Your partner is the most important person in your life, and the quality of your relationship affects every aspect of your well-being.
In this article, I will share with you some tips on how to enhance your bond with your partner and create an abundant lifestyle together.
Greet Your Partner with Love and Interest
When your partner comes home after a day at work, greet him/her at the door and say hello. Ask how his/her day went; keep asking until it becomes a good habit after 21 days.
This simple gesture shows that you care about your partner and that you are interested in his/her life. It also helps to create a positive atmosphere at home and to reduce stress.
When your partner leaves for work in the morning, say goodbye and I love you or have a great day, and make sure you do it with an abundant heart, remembering you want an abundant lifestyle in the future.
When you ask your partner a question, make eye contact and listen to the answer. This shows that you are attentive and respectful.
Communicate with Your Partner Regularly and Effectively
When your partner faces a challenge at work during the day, ask how it went when you get home. Remember though that due to our natures, it is likely the male will want to retreat into his cave for an hour or so, before discussing such issues.
So, give him some space and time to relax, and then approach him gently and supportively.
During your evening meal together, avoid the temptation to watch television or read the paper or mail. Look at your partner and have a conversation.
Talk about your feelings, thoughts, dreams, and plans. Share your joys and sorrows, your successes and failures, your hopes and fears.
Be honest and open with your partner, and encourage him/her to do the same.
If you need to make plans that affect how your partner will be spending time, consult with him/her first and make sure it is convenient.
Don’t assume that your partner will agree with everything you want or need. Respect his/her opinions and preferences, and try to find a compromise that works for both of you.
Respect Your Partner’s Views and Feelings
When you disagree with something your partner says, be aware of your response. Do you express your opinion without putting him/her down? You can express your opinion assertively rather than aggressively.
For example, you can say, “I have another opinion. I think we should wait until spring to have the walls painted,” instead of, “That’s stupid! We should wait until spring.”
This way, you acknowledge that your partner has a valid point of view, and you avoid hurting his/her feelings or triggering a defensive reaction.
Pay attention to how much of your side of the conversation is asking questions versus making statements. If you tend to be the dominant one, ask more questions.
This shows that you are curious and willing to learn from your partner, and that you value his/her input and perspective.
Ask open-ended questions to encourage your partner to open up and talk. Open-ended questions start like this: What was it like when. Tell me about. What do you think of.
These questions invite your partner to share more details and emotions, and to express his/her thoughts and feelings more freely.
Be Assertive and Not Passive with Your Partner
Have you become passive with your partner because that is the easiest way to avoid conflict? Over time, this is not a good idea. You will inevitably start to build up feelings of resentment because you are stifling your emotions, thoughts, and opinions.
If you think you are choosing passive behavior too often, consider discussing it with your partner and asking him/her to help you be more assertive.
Being assertive means that you stand up for yourself and your rights, without violating the rights of others. It means that you communicate your needs and wants clearly and respectfully, and that you expect the same from your partner.
Being assertive also means that you are able to say no when you need to, and that you are able to accept no from your partner when he/she needs to.
Being assertive will help you to feel more confident and empowered, and to have a more balanced and satisfying relationship.
Maintain Healthy Boundaries with Your Partner
Researchers have found that people whose marriages last the longest have learned to separate from their families of origin (their own parents and siblings) and have appropriate, healthy boundaries.
They value and honor their own privacy and separateness as a couple. This means they have regular, appropriate contact with their extended family, but that it is not excessive or stifling.
How do you compare?
Do you and your partner have a clear sense of who you are as individuals and as a couple? Do you respect each other’s personal space and time? Do you support each other’s goals and interests? Do you have your own friends and hobbies, as well as shared ones?
Having healthy boundaries means that you have a strong sense of self, and that you do not depend on your partner for your happiness or identity.
It also means that you do not try to control or change your partner, or to interfere with his/her relationships with others.
Having healthy boundaries will help you to have a more fulfilling and respectful relationship, and to avoid codependency and resentment.
Use I Messages Instead of You Messages with Your Partner
Check your communication with your partner and beware of using you messages. These are statements that start with the word you. For example: “You have to call me from the office and tell me when you will be home”.
You messages are harmful because they make the other person feel bad or disrespected. They also imply that you are blaming or accusing your partner of something, or that you are trying to control or manipulate him/her.
If you want to show your partner that you respect him or her, try speaking with I messages instead. When you start your statement with I, you take responsibility for the statement.
It is less blameful and less negative than the you message. You can use this formula: a. Your feelings b. Describe the behavior c. Effect on you.
For example, instead of saying, “You have to call me from the office and tell me when you will be home”, you can say, “I feel worried when you don’t call me from the office and tell me when you will be home”.
This way, you express your own feelings and needs, without attacking or criticizing your partner. You also invite your partner to empathize with you and to understand your point of view.
Using I messages will help you to communicate more effectively and constructively with your partner, and to avoid unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings.
Conclusion
An abundant lifestyle is not only about having money and material things. It is also about having a loving and harmonious relationship with your partner.
By following these tips, you can improve your bond with your partner and create an abundant lifestyle together.
You can enjoy wealth and happiness, as well as peace and joy, in your relationship.
Remember, your partner is your best friend, your soulmate, and your partner in crime. Treat him/her accordingly, and you will reap the rewards.
