Relationships are living entities and no two are the same. What makes one work is different for everyone. The relationship advice we love most equips us with fresh perspective and new principles to live by.
We’ve been lucky to pick the minds of some incredible couples over the years here on TCM. Keeping our relationships healthy is a big part of living well and these folks have had plenty of advice to share – from the super-deep to the funny and practical.
Whether you’re single, dating, married or going through a break-up, we’ve included some of our favorite pieces of advice for you below. If you find a tip that resonates with you, pop over and read the author’s full story!
The Best Relationship Advice on TCM…
Never go to bed mad at each other.Talk it out until it’s resolved. We picked up this from Ayesha Curry, who was talking about everything that keeps her and her equally-busy basketball star beau happy and balanced. Get all their marriage insights here: Learn more
Be good at being single. You don’t have to associate singleness with negative self-pitying emotions. Katie Horwitch reminds us, “The way we view our single self is ultimately how we will view our coupled self – in both our highest highs and our lowest lows.” Learn more
Spend Unscheduled Time Together. “Get in the habit of scheduling unscheduled time to hang out with your partner. Whether you’ve got a few minutes, a few hours or a few days, make it a priority to block out unplanned time.” Learn More
Never argue hangry. The founders of Kinfolk have incredible taste and keep a fine balance between how they share life in their shared work and marriage. Katie Williams shared, “When you talk about important subjects, make sure you’re both well-fed, and well-rested (hungry people get defensive and contentious).” Learn More
keep some independence. Another bit of the Kinfolk founders’ best relationhsip advice comes from Nathan Williams. “Be a gentleman and help, but respect her own independence at times.” Keeping a balance between togetherness and independence is key for a happy, lasting relationship.
Learn your love language. According to contributor, Sophie Jaffe, “Gary Chapman’s book, The 5 Love Languages, was a relationship lifesaver and helped keep our relationship grounded. You must become aware of your partner’s needs and what makes them happy. This book can help figure it out. Basically, the book explains that everyone has different ways of translating and receiving love, which can be roughly placed into five different categories. For example, Adi’s love language is largely verbal affirmation while mine is more physical.” Learn More
make fun a priority. Daphne Oz shared this relationship advice with us, as learned from her dad, Dr. Oz: “For my parents, it was about us learning how to be a part of a group without losing our sense of identity. The examples of lasting, loving partnerships I’ve seen all put a lot of focus on having fun together, and my husband and I try to find ways to play with and entertain one another every day. Is humor a virtue? I think it should be. Making room for silliness also ensures that serious conversations don’t get lost in a lifetime of being serious. We also love learning together, having even small adventures, and pushing each other to keep growing.” Learn More
We’ll just leave this right here… According to sexual health expert, Ann Johnson, “Orgasm is not something you work hard for or something you do. Orgasm is related to the parasympathetic side of your nervous system. It is related to your ability to downregulate, to truly rest and surrender. It is a byproduct of an experience, not the goal of it.” Learning to hone your sexual identity is key for a happy relationship.
feng shui your bedroom.Creating an energetically balanced space can and will affect how you interact with your most intimate relationships. Rearrange simple objects, pick up the right crystals and check out these simple steps to bring love, balance, and the best vibes ever into the bedroom Learn More
Take stock of your sexual needs. Women’s wellness expert, Nicole Granato, shared this with us: “What is one thing you can do to change the way you think about your body or think about your sex life? One thing you can do to create the connection you want with a person? What are the feelings you want to feel, the pleasure you wish to seek? Take some time and write it down and don’t be afraid to ask for it. Practice a little bit at a time and watch how your entire body begins to change.”
ENFORCE AN EX DETOX. If you’re on the exit ramp in a relationship, we’ve got some tips for you too from Elle Huerta of the Mend app. “Going through a breakup is a lot like withdrawal — it has a real impact on your physiology and your neurochemistry. And just like when you’re trying to quit sugar, the best thing you can do is detox completely.” Learn More
What’s your best relationship advice? How do you make your most important relationships
work, grow and last? Share with us in the comments below!
