When people enter a relationship, they may be fooled into thinking that most of the work's been done.
All a partner had to do is get their love interest to return their affections and that's it. The relationship will seamlessly progress into moving in together, getting children, getting married then watching their children grow up.
However, most couples hit a couple of snags because they have belief systems that are detrimental to their success as a couple.
Here are 6 myths they need to stop believing.
1. If s/he loves, s/he'll know why I'm upset
Love doesn't make you psychic. Contrary to what movies and novels would have people believe, if you're upset about something, you need to tell your partner. You may be intuitive as to what upsets them and can therefore make any necessary reparations.
2. Love is enough
Patty Smith said it best. Sometimes, love just aint enough. You need compatibility, compromise, communication. If you do what your partner wants all the time in the name of love you'll end up becoming a resentful doormat. You always need to reach a mutual agreement where you both get what you want out of whatever decision.
3. What s/he doesn't know won't hurt him/her
Every time you keep secrets from your partner, it hurts them even more when they find out. Always be honest with your husband/wife.
4. If s/he just changes this one thing, we'll be happy
A relationship's success doesn't just rely on the characters of the people involved. It's the bringing of two lives together. Changing that one flaw in your partner isn't what will fix your relationship if you aren't honest with each other.
5. Maintain the mystery
This causes partners to hide their feelings about certain things until they're sure about getting married. This leads to plenty of clashing by the time you settle down and live together. Always be upfront to each other.
6. Children will solve our problems
Sometimes a couple will get a child who will serve as some kind of band-aid to help the couple sort whatever problems they're having. And for some couples, it does work. However, children would only be a temporary fix for something that probably needs deeper scrutiny.