relationships

All relationships are vulnerable to periods of conflict and/or monotony. When couples don’t understand that these are anticipated and natural events in the course of a relationship, they may start looking for the exit door, thinking that they have made a grievous mistake. But many people don’t realize the extent to which their relational health and happiness is within their control. That power lies in one’s ability to self-assess and foster quality communication with their partner.

Here, Dr. Jacqueline Del Rosario, “America’s Relationship Doctor,” has identified 10 self-assessment questions, the answers to which can not only help a relationship survive, but also thrive, so that both partners can actualize their dreams of happily ever after.

1. Am I putting my best face forward? People dress up in their best clothes and put effort into their appearance for the outside world. Do you put forth the same effort to impress and excite your mate?

2. Am I still growing? You must come to a relationship, willing to continuously improve who you are so that your relationship can continue to evolve. Consider trying new things together. Exploration and adventure can go a long way to keeping things fresh and appealing, and will help you understand and appreciate who your partner is today. Continue to date and experience new things as a couple.

3. Am I continuing to invest the time and effort to maintain a strong foundation? All good things take work, and both parties must roll up their sleeves and commit to doing their part to add value to the union. This includes continually stoking the flames of passion. Are you as proactive, or even adventuresome in the bedroom, or are you relegated to business as usual? Break the routine and watch the magic ensue.

4. What are the anchors in my relationship? What are the things that keep you rooted and well-connected with your partner? Why are you together in the first place? Identifying and nurturing similar values, goals, and expectancies in your relationship are fundamental and will help you endure during the tough times.

5. How can I help improve our communication style? It is essential to learn how each party in the partnership prefers to communicate. You must then make the conscious effort to deliver and receive messages from your mate according to their personal style, which may differ from yours. Knowing when and how to disseminate information is a key relationship skill that can be a saving grace unto itself. And, during an argument, always fight fair and with respect–no name calling, no degrading one another, and no using your tongue as a weapon of mass destruction.

6. What unmet expectations do we each have that need to be addressed? Unfortunately, unmet expectations are often not shared and, instead, they can fester within and result in resentment and bitterness. How can you expect your mate to meet your expectations if you don’t voice them? It’s unfair of you to feel that your partner “should know” or be able to decipher passive aggressive cues that something is wrong. Met expectations equal relational bliss, so be honest with what you need from your partner for a real chance that those needs will be met, or even exceeded.

7. What emotional triggers might be adversely affecting my current relationship? Triggers link back to past traumas and can hinder the way we respond to or even perceive present day issues. Were you lied to or cheated on in the past? It doesn’t mean you can’t trust your current mate. Did your past partner drink too much? It doesn’t mean this partner can’t enjoy a cocktail responsibly. Put your old baggage aside and experience your current partner on their own merits and actions.

8. Do I stop, look, and listen? Take the time to listen to and validate your mate. Couples often decrease their talk time once they have been together awhile and feel comfortable. Keep the channels of communication open; chat about the day’s events, current events, family matters and other related topics. If your expresses and concerns or anxieties, it’s imperative to hear your mate and try to empathize with how they feel.

9. Do I allow outside interference? There’s a reason “interference” is a penalty in most sports. It’s because someone is getting involved where and when they do not have a right. This can result in focusing on the wrong issues and reinforcing dangerous and emotional conclusions that can be detrimental to your relationship. Your partner may also be very angry to find out that others are now involved in your private life. Instead, go directly to your partner to resolve relationship problems. However, if things are critical and seemingly out of both of your control, qualified assistance can come from marriage coaches and counselors who are there to help get the dialogue between the two of you on the right track.

10. Do I have a maintenance plan? Are you still doing what you did to get your mate? Do you know exactly why your mate should or would want to stay with you in the months and years ahead? What emotional benefits do you offer your mate that others don’t? Take the time to assess what your virtues are and even ask your mate to cite favorite qualities about you. Then, make a concerted effort to foster these qualities to not only ensure interest remains, but also maximize the caliber of that interest.

“America’s Marriage Coach” Jacqueline Del Rosario is President and CEO of Recapturing the Vision International, an organization dedicated to promoting healthy marriages and family strengthening. Also a published author, speaker, and nationally regarded media personality, Dr. Del Rosario has been a certified pre- and post-marital counselor for more than 20 years. Her cutting-edge series, Marriage Solutions and The Marital Constitution™, help couples successfully work through problems and find healthy solutions. She has two children and currently resides in Miami, Florida with her husband of over 20 years. Dr. Del Rosario may be reached online at www.DrJacquie.com.