Opinion: The Most Important Thing I Have Learned To Do In Relationships is Invest

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My parents had the most beautiful, healthy marriage. They were happily married for sixty-two years when my dad passed away at the ripe age of ninety. They could not have been better role models. Unfortunately, my siblings and I all ended up divorced. So, I have spent much time talking with Mom about the secret of relationship success. She and others of her generation indeed hold answers that we need to put into practice to bring life-long marriages back.

I have previously written about some of the concepts she credits to successful relationships, like respect, honesty, shared values, and compromise. But today, I want to talk about the importance of our personal investment.

Why Personal Investment in The Relationship Is The Most Important Aspect

Personal investment, be that energy, effort, or time, shows your commitment level. And commitment is the essence of a relationship. It is easy to fall in love with someone, but the relationship won't grow and nurture itself. Ultimately, you reap what you sow. When you tend to the relationship, fertilize it, and pull the weeds, it grows beautifully, just like the garden of love.

Do things you both enjoy and make the best out of mundane activities like running errands. Compromise doing something that your partner enjoys more than you. Surpise your partner with a romantic date or small meaningful gift.

Showing a high level of investment is essential with your significant other. We need to feel appreciated and cared for. We need to feel heard and understood. But, this concept is also crucial to apply to children, even as they enter adulthood. They need to know you still take a vested interest even though, after age 18, your parenting responsibilities are technically over; they need your love and emotional support.

Final Thoughts

Invest in your relationships. Your investment will pay huge returns with love, respect, and commitment. A small gesture such as a sticky note with encouragement or a flirty message can go a long way with your spouse and renew the passion. Call your grown children to ask how they are doing and show an interest in their lives- whether you agree with their choices or not.

Checking Your Level of Investment

• Ask yourself what amount of time you spend working each day.
• Ask how much time you spend scrolling through your phone.
• Are you happy with your self?
• How much time are you spending watching TV?
• How much quality time are you spending with your significant other?
• How much quality time do you spend with your children?

If you are not coming home from work each day and spending a significant amount of quality time with your significant other, you may need to invest more in your relationship. This investment and small gestures for your significant other will help nourish your relationship so that you can thrive. This will increase joy, peace, and overall life enjoyment.

What do you think are the most valuable things you have learned about relationships? Comment and share. I appreciate you taking the time to read this.

Peace & Light

Libby