Let love bloom, and last forever
How do you let love last longer than a rose? We show you the little
things that will do the trick.
By Sheila Lim
CATS Classified in The Straits Times
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Isn't it apt that of all flowers, the rose has been picked as a symbol
of love?
Just like love, when the rose plant blooms, it's gloriously lush and
beautiful. However, it has to be handled with care; otherwise its thorny
parts can hurt. It also isn't the easiest thing to grow; if one doesn't
know how to nurture it properly, its blooms will quickly fade, and the
plant might even perish.
But while a rose plant thrives on soil, water, sunlight, nutrients and a
knowledgeable gardener, a loving relationship will require these "5Cs":
Communication
No matter how busy you are, you need to designate time for your loved
one. Make a habit of spending at least 15 to 20 minutes communicating
with each other daily, or as often as possible. Bar distractions and
give each other full attention. This gives you both the opportunity to
air grievances or concerns, discuss insights, or simply chit-chat to
stay connected.
Another basic communication practice for sustaining a healthy
relationship is to express regular appreciation and praise in a loving
manner, and keep criticisms to a minimum.
Care and devotion
At the beginning of a relationship, couples are often blind to each
other's shortcomings and do their utmost to please each other. However,
it's a different story once the day-to-day drudgery of work, raising a
family and sustaining a livelihood take their toll.
But even when the rose-tinted glasses come off, love can assume a
different shade and mellow into something more mature and enriching. All
it takes is to be consistent in these things: cherish and respect each
other, do small acts of kindness and be considerate of each other's
feelings.
Creativity
Have fun together! Never take your relationship for granted, otherwise
you'll have drifted far apart before you know it.
Even if you're Mr Roboto or Ms Dead Serious, plan little surprises for
your other half regularly. These needn't be fancy dinners or expensive
gifts. Personalised, heart-felt expressions, such as self-composed silly
poems or love songs are the best keepsakes (even if your standard is way
below that of Robert Burns or Stevie Wonder).
Keep romance alive by continually "courting" each other. Treat
yourselves to bouts of romancing, like a quiet walk in the park, a fling
somewhere away from familiar settings or doing something fun, silly or
out-of-the-ordinary together.
Cash flow management
Money is the most common culprit in relationship failure. Although
having money always helps, it'll never be a substitute for
thoughtfulness, creativity and respect. Your happiness as a couple
depends much more on these than the size of your bank accounts.
Strive to be forthright and sensible about money matters right from the
start of your relationship. Always remind yourself: What's the point of
all those expensive gifts, an out-of-this- world wedding or that
luxurious home you can't afford when worries about long-term debt are
going to cause a rift later on in your relationship?
Chilling out
Familiarity breeds contempt. Couples should make time for intimacy
without stifling each other's individuality. Allow each other some
personal space and "time out". A relationship becomes unhealthy when one
partner becomes too dependent on the other, or over-controlling. This
creates feelings of resentment.
Love's like a red, red rose
Just like rose gardeners, if couples work hard and succeed in keeping
alive what they've planted, the results they reap can be as joyful to
behold as those that come when the seeds of love first take root.
How do you let love last longer than a rose? We show you the little
things that will do the trick.
By Sheila Lim
CATS Classified in The Straits Times
............ ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......
Isn't it apt that of all flowers, the rose has been picked as a symbol
of love?
Just like love, when the rose plant blooms, it's gloriously lush and
beautiful. However, it has to be handled with care; otherwise its thorny
parts can hurt. It also isn't the easiest thing to grow; if one doesn't
know how to nurture it properly, its blooms will quickly fade, and the
plant might even perish.
But while a rose plant thrives on soil, water, sunlight, nutrients and a
knowledgeable gardener, a loving relationship will require these "5Cs":
Communication
No matter how busy you are, you need to designate time for your loved
one. Make a habit of spending at least 15 to 20 minutes communicating
with each other daily, or as often as possible. Bar distractions and
give each other full attention. This gives you both the opportunity to
air grievances or concerns, discuss insights, or simply chit-chat to
stay connected.
Another basic communication practice for sustaining a healthy
relationship is to express regular appreciation and praise in a loving
manner, and keep criticisms to a minimum.
Care and devotion
At the beginning of a relationship, couples are often blind to each
other's shortcomings and do their utmost to please each other. However,
it's a different story once the day-to-day drudgery of work, raising a
family and sustaining a livelihood take their toll.
But even when the rose-tinted glasses come off, love can assume a
different shade and mellow into something more mature and enriching. All
it takes is to be consistent in these things: cherish and respect each
other, do small acts of kindness and be considerate of each other's
feelings.
Creativity
Have fun together! Never take your relationship for granted, otherwise
you'll have drifted far apart before you know it.
Even if you're Mr Roboto or Ms Dead Serious, plan little surprises for
your other half regularly. These needn't be fancy dinners or expensive
gifts. Personalised, heart-felt expressions, such as self-composed silly
poems or love songs are the best keepsakes (even if your standard is way
below that of Robert Burns or Stevie Wonder).
Keep romance alive by continually "courting" each other. Treat
yourselves to bouts of romancing, like a quiet walk in the park, a fling
somewhere away from familiar settings or doing something fun, silly or
out-of-the-ordinary together.
Cash flow management
Money is the most common culprit in relationship failure. Although
having money always helps, it'll never be a substitute for
thoughtfulness, creativity and respect. Your happiness as a couple
depends much more on these than the size of your bank accounts.
Strive to be forthright and sensible about money matters right from the
start of your relationship. Always remind yourself: What's the point of
all those expensive gifts, an out-of-this- world wedding or that
luxurious home you can't afford when worries about long-term debt are
going to cause a rift later on in your relationship?
Chilling out
Familiarity breeds contempt. Couples should make time for intimacy
without stifling each other's individuality. Allow each other some
personal space and "time out". A relationship becomes unhealthy when one
partner becomes too dependent on the other, or over-controlling. This
creates feelings of resentment.
Love's like a red, red rose
Just like rose gardeners, if couples work hard and succeed in keeping
alive what they've planted, the results they reap can be as joyful to
behold as those that come when the seeds of love first take root.
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