When embarking on a new relationship, it’s crucial to consider certain psychological factors. One essential aspect is to pace yourself and take things slowly. Gathering information about the person before jumping headfirst into anything is imperative. Additionally, it’s crucial to establish honesty as the foundation of the relationship. Being transparent and forthright can prevent potential hurt feelings and misunderstandings. Finally, communication is vital in starting a new relationship, and it’s essential to voice any concerns or issues that may arise to maintain a healthy relationship.
Here’s What You Need To Know Before Starting A New Relationship
When starting a new relationship, it’s natural to experience excitement and stress. The thought of someone you genuinely like reciprocating your feelings can be incredibly satisfying. However, it’s important to remember that even if you share similar emotions, there are still appropriate and inappropriate ways to navigate the early stages of a relationship. Acting respectfully and with consideration can help avoid potential misunderstandings and prevent the situation from going awry.
Naturally, experiencing solid emotions of passion and attraction towards someone you’re dating is to be expected. However, becoming too infatuated may lead you to miss warning signs, such as fundamental differences in your core beliefs and values. I am Dr. Ashutosh Tripathi, a psychologist and relationship expert, as the author offers insights into the most effective (and least effective) ways to embark on a new relationship through this blog.
Make Your Dates More Diverse
I suggest that to maintain a healthy relationship, it is important to mix things up from the beginning. I recommend engaging in activities such as booking lunch dates, going on morning walks together, and spending time with friends and co-workers rather than simply relying on the routine of watching series and movies together. Observing your partner in different situations and relationships can provide valuable insights. Furthermore, falling into a monotonous routine early in a relationship can be a risk factor for a potential breakup. Therefore, keeping each date distinct from the previous one is essential. It’s important to remember that having a wonderful evening with your new partner doesn’t necessarily require spending a lot of money.
Don’t lose your space
Spending every moment with a new romantic partner can lead to losing one’s sense of self. Maintaining a healthy balance between work, exercise, socializing with family and friends, and dating can become overwhelming. Therefore, it is crucial to take some time for oneself and engage in activities that bring personal enjoyment and fulfillment. This can help to maintain a strong sense of self and prevent the relationship from becoming all-consuming.
Maintain Independence
If you spend all your time with a new lover, there is a chance that you might lose your sense of self and the connections you have with your friends. The author suggests that in enduring relationships, it is essential for partners to maintain a sense of independence. To achieve this, it is necessary to spend time with family and friends, prioritize self-care activities such as workouts and hard work, and value your alone time. Maintaining balance is crucial. By making your new spouse the center of your entire existence, you may unintentionally place too much pressure on the relationship to provide all of your happiness and fulfillment.
Don’t Skip The Sexual Health Conversation
If you feel uneasy discussing STDs and STIs or disclosing your sexual health status with your partner, it may be a sign that you’re not quite ready for sexual intimacy. Take the time to build trust and comfort in your relationship before engaging in sexual activity. By prioritizing open and honest communication about health, you can enhance your sexual experience and increase your confidence in the relationship.
Red Flags In A Relationship
Psychologically speaking, the author suggests that ignoring warning signals in a relationship will only prolong the inevitable and unhappy end. The author advises against investing in such relationships, even if you are deeply fascinated with your new partner, if they exhibit behaviors such as criticizing you, scheming, frequently canceling plans, lying, or mistreating others. While viewing your partner through rose-colored glasses and only seeing their positive qualities may be tempting, it is essential to recognize the whole person and be aware of any red flags that may indicate potential problems in the relationship.
Don’t Be Close Minded
The author suggests that being receptive to exploring unfamiliar cuisines and engaging in novel experiences is beneficial. Particularly during the early stages of a relationship, it is essential to foster a lighthearted and enjoyable atmosphere, with the potential for deeper, more significant conversations to develop over time. Consequently, it may be wise to limit discussions concerning polarizing or contentious subjects in the initial phases of a relationship.
Respect Yourself
Taking care of yourself sends a powerful message to your partner about how you expect to be treated, and it also communicates what behaviors you find acceptable or unacceptable. The author emphasizes the importance of principles, self-awareness, and authenticity. It’s also essential to prioritize your well-being. For instance, if your partner asks you out on a last-minute date, but needs some self-care time to relax and pamper yourself with a face mask and cuddles from your furry friend, don’t hesitate to suggest a different day for your date night. Remember to prioritize your needs and boundaries and communicate them clearly with your partner.
Don’t Defame Yourself
From a psychological perspective, the author suggests reframing past experiences that may be perceived as unfavorable, such as getting fired or being cheated on by a previous partner. Rather than hiding these experiences to maintain a specific image, the author recommends finding a way to talk about them in a positive light. Concealing these experiences can harm one’s well-being and lead to adverse outcomes.
It’s important to understand that discussing past relationships doesn’t have to be a source of embarrassment. Being willing to share your vulnerability is crucial to dating, particularly when starting a new relationship or any other pursuit.
Don’t Have Sex Too Early
In our current era of sex-positivity, it’s widely accepted that there is no prescribed waiting period before engaging in sexual activity with a new partner. Instead, the decision of when to have sex should be determined by the comfort level and readiness of both individuals involved, and there is no definitive “right” or “wrong” time frame. It’s essential to avoid succumbing to pressure to have sex before feeling fully prepared, as this could lead to regret and potentially harm the relationship in the long run.
Effective Communication
Effective communication is critical to a healthy relationship. It is essential to express your thoughts clearly and with sincerity while choosing your battles wisely. Treating your partner kindly and avoiding negative behaviors such as yelling, humiliating, and judging can foster a solid and lasting bond. While you may deeply understand your childhood friends, it is essential to remember that building such closeness takes time and shared experiences. With a new partner, it’s necessary to avoid expecting them to read your mind and instead focus on the open and honest conversation.
