Sizzling Summer Dating Series June-August 2013
By Keisha Stoute
Relationships do not run on wishful thinking and empty tanks.
Doing your very best and putting in quality time and hard work is a necessity.
Everyone gets complacent and stuck dealing with everyday issues but do not forget
to attend to what matters most which are the relationships that you have with
others! Completing a relationship tune-up requires two committed individuals to
assess each other in the following areas…
1. Support
Do I support the person that I am committed too?
Do I provide encouragement in their personal and professional life and towards goals and aspirations?
Am I available we they need me? Do I sacrifice when I need to support my
partner?
2. Patience
When things don’t go my way, do I come across as cold, harsh and snappy?
Do I try to make an effort to understand where my partner is coming from
when conflict arises? Do I give them time to explain themselves?
3. Understanding
Do I have an open mind when I am communicating with my partner?
Do I give my partner the benefit of the doubt or do I jump to think the worse of
them? Do I try to see their good intentions or do I criticize them for poor
performance?
4. Nonjudgmental
Do I judge my partner by my own standards and judgments of them?
Do I compare my partner to the accomplishments and expectations of my peers and
their spouses and partners? Do I make my partner feel worse about their
situations, mistakes and shortcomings?
5. Forgiveness
Am I willing to forgive mistakes or do I hold on to grudges?
Do I sincerely forgive and give a clean slate?
6. Unselfishness
Am I willing to put my own agenda aside to help my partner out?
Do I take on some of the responsibilities such as chores, paying bills, helping out with the children etc. when there is a need too?
7. Love
Do I show my partner that I care? Do I tell them how much they
mean to me and how much I love them? Do I surprise them with flowers, and other
gifts to show my affection? Do I appreciate them or tell them how I appreciate
them? Do I kiss my partner and give them warm loving affection? Do I surprise them with acts of kindness?
Honesty is required in order to reach your optimal relationship potential. You may find that you need improvements in some areas so step up to the challenge, knowledge is power! When two people are willing anything is possible. Evaluating your relationship every three months gives you four opportunities to improve and enhance performance. If things are unsteady make adjustments sooner and as frequently as needed. Do get stuck on the side of the road. Take preventative measures and get a relationship tune-up!