What makes relationships work…?

In a general way, some pointers will be given about how to make relationships work that the author has found by looking at research as well as his own experience.

What is covered are such things as:

• active listening
• expectations
• resolving conflict (looking at the problem rather than blaming the person when there is conflict)
• being concerned for the partner’s well-being
• effective communication
• being assertive
• being oneself in the relationship from the start

This includes not hiding anything or being on one’s best behaviour initially and then letting it all go downhill subsequently when the relationship seems to be established.

This latter point is about being open and honest, but without being offensive. Sometimes complete openness and honesty can verge on being offensive if the other person doesn’t want to know absolutely everything.

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