Lasting Relationships Need These 3 Essential Things
(WellnessPursuits.com) – The health of any of our relationships is measured by how well we meet each other’s needs. According to Psychology Today, there are three universal relationship needs:
- Companionship
- Affection
- Emotional support
If any one of these important keys are missing, the relationship may suffer. Meeting your partner’s emotional needs is of particular importance.
The Importance of Meeting Each Other’s Emotional Needs
Meeting each other’s emotional needs is a prerequisite for a happy relationship. If either of you falls short of meeting those needs, unhappiness, resentment and discontent — all potential relationship killers — may seep into your relationship. As time passes, animosity and apathy may make any chance of righting the ship improbable, if not impossible.
When you strive to meet each other’s emotional needs, however, you will get closer as a couple. You will create unbreakable bonds that will allow you to trust one another deeply, to lean on each other in tough times and to weather any storms that come your way.
How to Deal with an Emotionally Disengaged Partner
Being emotionally engaged and/or putting another’s needs first does not come naturally to everyone. Upbringing, past life experiences and trauma can all have a profound effect on how well we perform emotionally in a relationship. But that doesn’t mean you will never have a close relationship with your partner. There are ways you can help an emotionally disengaged partner become more involved.
- Lead by example. Try being more emotionally involved in your partner’s life to “show them how it’s done.”
- Be responsive to their emotions. Validate and empathize with their feelings to foster an emotional connection.
- Verbalize your needs and ask plainly for what you need.
Through communication, understanding and practice, you can work towards meeting each other’s emotional needs.
Habits That Will Push You Farther Apart
Certain habits are not productive and may even create more distance between you and your partner. Nagging for more attention, for example, will not get you more attention. It may even make your partner less emotionally available as they shut down to protect themselves. Also, do not expect your partner to meet your needs if you’re not willing to do the same for them.
If you want a healthy relationship, it’s vital that you and your partner make an effort to meet each other’s emotional needs. If you’re struggling in this area, keep the lines of communication open. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. Marriage counseling and/or a conversation with someone you trust may be exactly what you and your partner needs.
~Here’s to Your Healthy Pursuits!
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