Therapists often hear everything that goes wrong in relationships. Flipping the script, and having a list of how to make things go well can be helpful. Ten Commandments for Relationship Essentials
The following is a basic framework for relationship success. Post it in a prominent place in your home where both you and your partner can review if frequently.
- THOU SHALT protect the safety and security of thy relationship at all costs.
- THOU SHALT base thy relationship on true mutuality, remembering that all decisions and actions must be good for thee AND for thine partner.
- THOU SHALT not threaten the existence of the relationship, for so doing would benefit no one.
- THOU SHALT appoint thy partner as go-to person for all matters, making certain thy partner is first to know- not second, third, or fourth—in all matters of importance.
- THOU SHALT provide a tether to thy partner all the days and nights of thy life, and never fail to greet thy partner with good cheer.
- THOU SHALT protect thy partner in public and in private from harmful elements, including thyself.
- THOU SHALT put thy partner to bed each night and awaken with thy partner each morning.
- THOU SHALT correct all errors, including injustices and injuries, at once or as soon as possible, and not make dispute of who was the original perpetrator.
- THOU SHALT gaze lovingly upon thy partner daily and make frequent and meaningful gestures of appreciation, admiration, and gratitude.
- THOU SHALT learn thy partner well and master the ways of seduction, influence, and persuasion, without the use of fear or threat.
created by Stan Tatkin, PsyD
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