We recommend and offer premarital and pre-commitment couples counseling at Atlanta Wellness Collective.

Why is this an important step in any relationship? Because marriages and committed relationships that begin with excellence in mind help to create happy homes and relationships. Below are 5 healthy ways to start a relationship off right.

Let’s Communicate

Communication is a key element of healthy relationships. Being able to say how you feel and ask for what you need is so important if you’re going to enjoy a healthy relationship with your spouse. Here are a few ways to start communicating effectively:

Be assertive by expressing your feelings to your spouse and asking your spouse for what you want in your relationship.
Actively listen to your spouse by restating what you hear your spouse saying - this lets your spouse know you understand what they’re saying to you.

Increase Intimacy

Give your full attention to your spouse when talking by turning off phones, the tv and making eye contact.
Show gratitude to one another.
Share the good qualities in each other and give compliments often.
Listen to understand your spouse and not judge one another.
Avoid blaming each other and work together to find solutions

Be Okay With Conflict

Happy couples have disagreements and resolve them with respect.
Healthy conflict strengthens relationships.
It’s okay to ask for a time-out and come back to resolve a conflict after calming down.
Some ways to calm down include taking deep breaths, going for a walk, journaling, reading, and praying.
Remember what’s important by reminding yourself that you and your spouse are a team - work toward a solution that you both feel good about.

Seek Forgiveness

Admit what you did was wrong or hurtful.
Try to understand and empathize with the pain you’ve caused your spouse.
Take responsibility for actions and make restitutions when necessary.
Assure your spouse you’ll not do it again.
Apologize and ask for forgiveness.
Forgive yourself.

Grant Forgiveness

Acknowledge your pain and anger.
Be specific about your future expectations and limits.
Give up your right to get even, but insist on being treated better in the future.
Let go of blame, resentment, and negativity toward your spouse.
Communicate your act of forgiveness to your spouse.
Work toward reconciliation (when safe).

Here at Atlanta Wellness Collective, we want to help. We have a number of providers accepting new clients for premarital and couples counseling. For support, contact us or request an appointment online.

This blog post was written by Kim Ostrander.

Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to substitute professional therapeutic advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your health concerns and before starting or stopping therapies. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct professional advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

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