Whether you’re in the early stages of your relationship or have been together for many years, the sooner you start thinking about how to keep your relationship healthy and happy, the better off you’ll be in the long run. While there’s no magic formula to make every relationship last forever, following certain healthy habits can set your relationship up for success — and even help it stand the test of time.
Here are 8 ways to have a healthy and happy gay relationship. In order to have a healthy gay relationship, it’s important to work on yourself first. If you don’t love yourself, how can you expect anyone else to love you? Make sure that you’re healthy, happy, and secure before entering into another relationship. Once you’re ready for a partner, there are ways that you can ensure that your relationship is successful:
1) Communicate
Social media is great for getting in touch with people, but when it comes to relationships it may not be such a good idea. It’s easy for someone who isn’t present in your day-to-day life, or who doesn’t know you as well as someone close to you does, to make assumptions about what you’re doing on social media. Keep communication between the two of you-avoid using social media at all costs. Focus on living your lives together instead of sharing every detail online. Try this instead: In-person conversations can be really meaningful! So if you have something important to say, tell each other. Texting and emailing are also great ways to communicate since they allow more time to think before responding. Use them sparingly! The goal should always be to reach out in a person-that way there will never be any miscommunication!
2) Be honest with each other
It’s important for both partners in the relationship to be honest with each other about how they feel. The best relationships are built on trust, so be open and honest with your partner. Your own needs are valid and important. If you’re not getting what you need from a partner, tell them! No matter how hard it may be. Say I love you often: Say I love you at least once every day! And make sure to say it first – don’t wait for him to say it first. We all know how we want to hear those three words, but sometimes people forget that others like hearing them too.
3) Spend time together
You can’t have a healthy relationship if you don’t spend time together. It doesn’t matter whether it’s going on long walks, eating dinner together, or playing video games together–the more time you spend with your partner, the stronger your relationship will be. Don’t let other people dictate who you are: If someone says that your relationship isn’t real because it’s gay, they’re wrong! Relationships come in all shapes and sizes; just because yours is gay doesn’t mean that there are less feelings behind it. Love is love, no matter what kind of person you are.
4) Compromise
Compromise is an important part of any healthy relationship, but it can be especially important in gay relationships. The gay dating world has come a long way since the days when men would date as trade or have open relationships, but people still aren’t always on the same page. You may be into kink while your partner isn’t, or you might want children while your partner doesn’t. If these are deal-breakers for you, you need to know before getting involved with that person. If they’re not deal-breakers, however, then it’s up to both of you to make compromises so that everyone’s needs are met.
5) Respect each other’s privacy
It’s important for both partners in the relationship to respect each other’s privacy. Ask before you go through your partner’s phone, look at their texts or read their emails. This will make them feel more comfortable sharing with you and it will show that you care about what they have to say. Don’t spend too much time together: The best relationships are the ones where people can be apart from each other but still think of one another as often as possible. Too much time together can lead to feelings of co-dependence and depression which can really harm a relationship. Spend time apart doing things you enjoy and love spending time with each other when you get back home.
6) Trust each other
Trust is one of the most important aspects of any relationship. It can be a lot more difficult in gay relationships because there are no rules or guidelines that say you should trust your partner completely, but you should. You have to decide for yourself what level of trust is appropriate for your relationship, but if you’re feeling uneasy about something it’s worth talking about with them. Do not keep secrets from each other: If there is anything you need to talk about in your relationship, do not keep it from each other.
7) Support each other
In order to have a healthy relationship, you need to support each other. This means supporting your partner’s ideas, dreams, and ambitions. Supporting your partner also means being there for them when they need it the most. It also means not tearing each other down in front of others or behind their backs. You need to be honest with yourself as well as with your partner. One way to show that you care is by asking what you can do for your partner and taking action on those requests. If someone doesn’t take the initiative, offer ways that would make things easier for them by doing things like cooking dinner or getting out of work early so they can relax more often.
8) Have fun together
One of the keys to having a healthy and happy relationship is making time for fun. Try to do something new together each week, whether it’s going on an adventure or just playing cards. Ask your partner what they want to do and try to be spontaneous. Being around people you care about can be relaxing, so invite friends over every once in a while and have a party! Don’t forget that sex is one of the most important aspects of any relationship, so don’t stop getting intimate with your significant other! Consider doing a boudoir photoshoot together – many gay couples find boudoir shoots therapeutic and beneficial for their relationship and overall mental health. Finally, make sure that both you and your significant other feel fulfilled by spending quality time with them as well.
