Relationships can come and go like the seasons due to all kinds of conflict between two people. Maintaining a healthy relationship can be as simple as paying attention to small details, which shows your partner you care.
Come to appreciate your partner whether it's something specific or just general acknowledgement. People who have been in relationships for a while often become very familiar with each other, leaving the possibility for the once raging fire inside to become a candle's fickle flame.
Tokens of appreciation for your partner can go a long way and can be done easily, according to Steven Glamcevski, a senior exercise science major and Men's Group leader for Wellness Education Services.
"I would do something once a week, whether it's preparing dinner or going for walks now that the weather is getting nice, to show you still care," Glamcevski said. "Compliments are always a plus. It's the little things that matter."
Glamcevski also suggests reliving a precious moment - for instance re-creating a first date or reliving another fond, positive moment in the relationship.
Thoughtful gifts can come in all different shapes and sizes. Expensive jewelry or outlandish gestures aren't the key to happiness - rather, it can be the simple things that make all the difference. Participating in your partner's favorite activity can rehash even the smallest but most cherished of feelings and memories you and your partner have shared.
According to Jena Currier, a junior health and human services major, it's more important to find special moments that can turn into special events. It is also important to weigh the pros and cons of gift-giving for important milestones in a relationship.
"If it's an anniversary event, I'd rather go out to a nice dinner or recreate a first date and have him save his money instead of buying me a diamond necklace," Currier said. "That would be nice every once in a while though."
It is important to express yourself to your partner so there is little possibility for misinterpretation of feelings. Always tell your partner how much you care for them, and how much the relationship actually means to you. Don't keep your significant other guessing about how you feel about them, as it might harm their trust and confidence in you, and in the relationship.
Partners should also share equal responsibility in diffusing an explosive situation when conflict arises. According to Currier, it's always important to assess the situation before losing your cool.
"I'm someone who listens before they react," Currier said. "I would try and compose myself before I overreacted, and talk things out instead of blowing up."
Familiarity can often breed contempt when not handled correctly. For students like Cara Reiss, a junior mathematics major, fighting can be normal, but it's important to talk about the issue if it's hurting the relationship.
We usually start off with yelling first and talking later. If there was a real problem, we would talk about it," Reiss said.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
