Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Five New Relationship Rules

Sarah Mahoney, writer at Good Housekeeping, recently named five (newly refreshed) marriage “guidelines” interpreted from some old “rules” we’re all familiar with. Mahoney says “there’s only a trace of truth in each fable — but there’s also the potential to retool them to make your relationship even closer. Here are five of the most enduring myths, plus new rules to replace them”:

  • Myth: Never go to bed angry. If you don’t hash through every conflict right away, it’ll lead to resentment and ultimately blowups.
  • New rule: Sleep on it. Conflicts are best dealt with when you have calmed down and are well rested.

  • Myth: One day the two of you will just realize you’ve grown apart and fallen out of love.
  • New rule: A marriage doesn’t run on feelings — it thrives because both spouses work hard on it.

  • Myth: As you both get older, sex will simply stop mattering to you and your husband.
  • New rule: There’s no reason you won’t grow more sexually connected.

  • Myth: When the kids leave home, there will be nothing left to keep your marriage together.
  • New rule: Your marriage can flourish in that new freedom.

  • Myth: Every guy has a midlife crisis — any day, your spouse will drive off in a new red sports car.
  • New rule: It’s not a crisis — and it’s not just for men.

Do you and your partner have any relationship “rules”?

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