Frequently Asked Questions: Relationship Dos and Don'ts

What strengthens a relationship—and what should you better avoid?


You love your partner and want to invest more in your relationship.
But you’re also unsure about certain things and wondering: What might actually harm a relationship?
Here are 3 Do’s and 3 Don’ts we’ve put together for you!

Do you have your own ideas or experiences that helped you?
Share them in the comments below and help other couples, too!


💪 Do: Celebrate your partner’s strengths and encourage them
What is your partner really good at? What are their obvious strengths—and their more “hidden” ones? Do you rejoice when something goes well for them? Do you tell them? And do they do the same for you?

It’s about truly seeing each other’s greatness. Often, it’s those very qualities that made you fall in love in the first place—those unique traits that set your partner apart.

Every person is unique, and even when there are similarities, individual strengths may shine in completely different ways. That’s what makes you a great match. In a strong relationship, you’re genuinely happy for one another, and both contribute their gifts.
Loving someone also means seeing and supporting their strengths—and helping them grow and thrive.


đź’Ş Do: Look for the positive, even in hard times
A crisis doesn’t have to end in despair. It can be a chance for something new to begin—for growth and deeper connection.

Sometimes there’s no immediate solution or light at the end of the tunnel. But having a hopeful mindset can make challenges easier to bear and work through. And knowing that you both want the best for each other and believe in your relationship can give you strength during hard times.

There will be moments when one of you is stronger than the other—and that’s okay. Encouraging each other helps you keep going. In fact, crises can help you realise even more deeply how much your partner means to you.


đź’Ş Do: Forgive each other
This applies to everyday misunderstandings and deeper conflicts alike. Forgiveness can be hard—but when there’s a deep “yes” to one another, it can be worth fighting for the relationship.
That “yes” could be rooted in shared values, children, a long-term commitment, or a marriage vow.

Mistakes are part of being human, and we all hurt those we’re closest to at times. We all need forgiveness. A good place to start is by acknowledging your own role in things. And chances are, you’re already suffering from your own mistakes, too.

Real love means not holding past failures against your partner but choosing to look at them with a big heart and open arms. Forgiveness often begins with honesty and heartfelt conversations.
Many long-married couples say that their “secret” is this: they’ve kept choosing to forgive each other—again and again.


⛔️ Don’t: Hide the truth
Not every thought or feeling has to be blurted out—but in the important things, honesty is essential. Deliberately hiding something can seriously damage trust.

Sometimes we keep things to ourselves with good intentions—to spare the other person pain. But this often causes more hurt than it prevents. Hiding things can feel like a lack of trust in the relationship’s strength or in your ability to find solutions as a team.

If you want honesty, respect, and appreciation from your partner, you also need to offer them. Speaking openly builds trust—and strengthens your unity as a couple, especially in difficult seasons.
Openness means you take your partner seriously—and that together, you’re stronger.


⛔️ Don’t: Leave your partner alone when they need you most
Tough times come in every life. And those are exactly the moments when it counts to stand by each other.

It’s not about drowning in problems together—but about recognising when your partner needs your presence, comfort, and support.
Even in healthy relationships, there are ups and downs. Sometimes plans need to be adjusted or personal needs postponed for a while—because something more important takes priority. These moments call for compassion and understanding—and they can bring you even closer when faced together.


⛔️ Don’t: Give in to ongoing dissatisfaction
Everyone experiences frustration from time to time. But ongoing dissatisfaction can wear on a relationship—and the people around you.

If you notice yourself slipping into a cycle of negativity, try asking: What exactly is bothering me? Can I change anything? Or what’s stopping me from making a change?

We’re all responsible for how we handle our lives. Even if you can’t change your situation, you can choose how you respond to it:
Do you want to be someone who stays bitter—or someone who faces it bravely?

Sometimes, outside help is needed—and that’s okay. A “gratitude list” can also help: What am I still thankful for? Where has life gifted me—despite everything?

We wish you all the best! đź’š

  • Next Topic:

    First Aid for Relationship Crises

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Authors & Sources

Author

Yvonne Onusseit,
Educational Scientist

Reviewed by:

Team of Psychologists

Sources

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