Tips for a New Relationship

11. No Relationship is Perfect.

A relationship wouldn't be a relationship without imperfections. Arguments are a natural thing when it comes to relationships! Don't be worried if you're having the occasional fight.

12. Get comfortable

You spend a few hours getting ready for your first few dates with a really cute guy, you try to order a salad or something light when he takes you out to eat and you check your makeup in a store window when he’s not looking. Sound familiar, ladies? Realize that you can’t keep this up forever and best of all, the guy you’re with isn’t asking you to. Just be yourself, you’ll be much more comfortable and your new beau will be able to enjoy you for you!

13. Don't over-share

In the first few weeks of a relationship, nothing is set in stone yet so you never can be too careful. Be mindful about sharing personal details until you’ve built an equal foundation of trust with each other and you are certain that it is going to work long term.

14. Pay attention

Your new relationship will need a lot of attention. Pay attention to your partner, get to know them and be an active part of your relationship. Learn their likes and dislikes, tell them yours. Get to know them like you would get to know a best friend.

15. Leave your ex out of it

It is close to impossible to have a healthy new relationship if you're still hung up on one from the past. Let it go and embrace this new relationship. Focus on the one you're with unless you want them to become your next ex.

16. Real Love isn't like the Fairytales.

Be careful with your ideas about what a relationship really is. You may be thinking that your Prince Charming is going to kiss you and then you will live happily ever after. Make sure you are ready for the time and energy a happy, and healthy relationship takes.

17. Jealousy is Never a Good Thing

Your partner probably has friends that make you feel a little jealous. Whether it’s an ex that’s still hanging around or just someone that you feel threatened by, you will probably come across someone like this. If you do, the first thing you need to do is understand that jealousy gets you nowhere and that your partner probably has no idea that it’s bothering you. Have a mature conversation about it and express your insecurities in a respectful way.

18. Learn from your past relationship mistakes.

While it’s not good to live in the past, you probably learned some things from the way you behaved in your past relationships. Perhaps you were too clingy or didn’t focus on your relationship enough. Maybe you were too jealous or took them for granted. Whatever it was, you can learn from it so you won’t carry the same baggage into this relationship.

19. Real Love isn't like the Fairytales.

Be careful with your ideas about what a relationship really is. You may be thinking that your Prince Charming is going to kiss you and then you will live happily ever after. Make sure you are ready for the time and energy a happy, and healthy relationship takes.

20. Jealousy is Never a Good Thing

Your partner probably has friends that make you feel a little jealous. Whether it’s an ex that’s still hanging around or just someone that you feel threatened by, you will probably come across someone like this. If you do, the first thing you need to do is understand that jealousy gets you nowhere and that your partner probably has no idea that it’s bothering you. Have a mature conversation about it and express your insecurities in a respectful way.