Tips to Nurture a New Relationship

We often hear stories about promising relationships getting derailed early on. While the breakup of an established relationship is often painful, so too is the end of a relationship that never really had a chance. It can leave us filled with regrets, wondering "what if", and often blaming ourselves for what went wrong. So what can we do to ensure we're not contributing to a relationship's demise before it even gets off the ground?

Tips to Nurture a New Relationship

1. Choose only those who are available physically and emotionally for the kind of relationship you want. If someone is interested only in having fun, don't embark on a mission to change them, or to "make" them love you. People will tell you exactly who they are - it's your responsibility to listen.

2. Searching for a mate is as important as any other endeavour in your life, so treat it as such. It requires focus, determination, and knowing what you're looking for. It is an active process that can't be left completely up to fate; do not wait for things to happen.

3. You want your first encounter to be comfortable and fun. Make sure that you're making just as much effort and putting just as much enthusiasm into it as the other person. It's nobody's job to impress you, it takes two to create a relationship.

4. Be aware of any internal dialogue that might be urging you to sabotage a relationship. Are you focused on why it might not work, and the person's possible flaws instead of concentrating on the positive aspects? If you're constantly telling yourself it won't work, it doesn't stand a chance.

5. Never walk away from a promising opportunity unless you absolutely must. Be willing to open yourself up to the risk that you might get hurt, knowing that if it does work, the rewards will be a hundredfold.