Relationship Development

To develop a meaningful relationship as a married couple, you need to know yourself as well as your partner in order for the both of you to learn to grow together.

*Know yourself

Self-reflection

- Identify your values and priorities.
- Identify your expectations and views.
- Recognize your skills and abilities.
- Recognize your likes and dislikes.
- Recognize your strengths and weaknesses.
- Recognize your preferences and prejudices.
- Identify the significant events that shape you.
- Identify the relationships that influence you.
- Identify what is important to you (e.g. ambition).
- What do you think of yourself?
- What do others think of you?

*Know your partner

Ways to know your partner better:

1. Observe your partner in different situations

Find opportunities for your partner to socialize with your family, friends and colleagues so you can learn his/her behavior in different social contexts.

2. Observe how your partner handles stress

See how your partner reacts in the face of tough decisions and stress.

3. Develop opportunities for your partner to open up

Ask questions during conversations to help you understand him/ her better. (E.g. Ask your partner about his/her childhood, thoughts, opinions, on things, etc.)

4. Take an interest in your partner’s emotional & physical health

Find out how your partner is feeling and be sensitive to those feelings. Knowing about his/her interests, family and cultural background can help you understand more about his/her social and emotional condition and physical health.

*Build your relationship

When your martial relationship is developed to its full potential, it is immensely satisfying and enriching for both of you.

*Ways to develop your relationship:

1. Building trust
Confide and share with each other your hopes and fears. This helps create and maintain an atmosphere of trust, love and sensitivity in which both of you can learn more about each other.

2. Sharing confidences
Sharing your inner thoughts and feelings with each other will bring your relationship beyond the superficial level. It will also help you be sensitive to the needs and aspirations of your partner.

3. Handling differences
Understand the differences between you and your partner and learn to accept them. You should also define your roles and expectations early so that conflicts won’t arise later on.

4. Resolving disagreements
Be constructive when you deal with disagreements and don’t put each other down. Try seeing the positive value of being different.