| Relationships can add interest and harmony to our | | | | of a new relationship over time it will become vital to |
| life; or they can add drama and complete chaos. It | | | | the success of that relationship. |
| really depends on the nature of the relationship and | | | | An example is this; an extroverted person meets |
| the commitment of both partners involved. If we | | | | someone they care about who happens to love to |
| approach the development of a relationship as a | | | | spend time at home. This new person would rather |
| project that requires planning and step-by-step | | | | cook dinner and then spend time watching TV, |
| actions we can create the type of relationships we | | | | reading, or exploring the Internet than to have a |
| want. There are some things that should be done | | | | night out on the town. The partner that loves |
| before we even start that new relationship or before | | | | meeting people and all social activities may not mind |
| we renew an old one. | | | | spending time at home for a period of time. But after |
| We have all heard that in order to love someone we | | | | a month or two, or even six months he or she will |
| have to love ourselves first. To one step beyond | | | | probably be ready to explode from boredom. |
| that, in order to truly love yourself you will need to | | | | By that time the relationship has grown and the |
| really know yourself. | | | | partner was never aware of the fact that staying |
| You should be able to define your dreams and goals. | | | | home was an issue. That partner is perfectly content |
| You should know what your future overall plans are. | | | | with the way things are going. So at such a point in |
| You should have a clear understanding of the type of | | | | the relationship a compromise may be a little harder |
| relationship that you want and what your | | | | to adjust to. |
| expectations of your partner are. | | | | If in the beginning this issue had been addressed |
| The reason this information is so crucial before you | | | | either a compromise would have been reached or |
| begin a relationship is that you will need to share this | | | | the partners may have agreed that they were two |
| with your partner. And this information should be | | | | very different people and perhaps a friendship would |
| shared at the start of a relationship, not months or | | | | be better than a relationship. |
| years later. | | | | The point is that you should get in touch with your |
| This article is not about self-development but it is a | | | | personal desires, values and goals. Then when you |
| good idea to work on yourself before you begin a | | | | meet someone you have to make it a point to learn |
| new relationship. Get in touch with the you that lives | | | | about what is important to them; even to the part |
| hidden inside. I am referring to the person that you | | | | of them that is hiding inside. As you are learning |
| do not always show to the rest of the world. | | | | about the new person you will be building a strong |
| By having a genuine understanding of who you really | | | | friendship. By sharing intimate details of your inner |
| are you will be in a better position to develop a | | | | selves you will better be able to determine if a |
| relationship that incorporates that part of you. | | | | long-term relationship will last. |
| Although that may not seem important at the onset | | | | |