10 Things I Learned About Relationships by Watching My Parents:
1. Learn to love each other’s flaws
2. You do not have to enjoy everything they do
3. Giving each other space is equally important to spending time together
4. Compromise
5. It is important to respect their family
6. Appreciate what each other has to give
7. Do not let chivalry die, fellas
8. Ladies, it is okay to cater to your man
9. Communication is crucial
10. Just remember, arguing is normal

Relationships are a necessary aspect of life, whether it’s a romantic relationship, friendship, or family. As children, we pick up behaviors and characteristics mainly from our parents. In the case of developing romantic relationships, watching your parents interact with each other can teach you a lot about how they navigate through situations, and what to expect in a relationship. Here are ten things I learned about relationships by observing my parents.

1. Learn to love each other’s flaws

No one is perfect, and it’s unrealistic to expect our significant others to be perfect. Instead, it’s important to learn to love each other’s flaws. By doing this, you come to appreciate the other person for who they truly are, flaws and all. My stepdad was able to love and accept my mom even though she had three kids from a previous marriage. He loved and took care of us like we were his own flesh and blood, which made us feel connected to him.

2. You do not have to enjoy everything they do

It’s common for couples to have different interests, and that’s okay. While it’s great to share common bonds, it’s not necessary to enjoy everything that your partner does. For example, if your significant other is a fan of watching car races every Sunday, there’s no need to feel pressured to enjoy it as well. You can still support your partner without having to participate in all their interests.

3. Giving each other space is equally important to spending time together

As the saying goes, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder”. Spending too much time together can cause you to feel annoyed and frustrated with one another. Conversely, spending time apart can help you appreciate each other’s presence more when you reunite. Taking a break from each other allows you to engage in activities that your partner may not enjoy.

4. Compromise

Compromising is essential in any relationship. When it’s not feasible to do things separately, you need to be willing to compromise. By agreeing to do what your partner wants this time, you can do what you want the next time. This makes choosing where to go or what to do much easier and leaves everyone satisfied.

5. It is important to respect their family

If your partner is close to their family, it’s important to respect their relationship. Their family played a significant role in making them the person they are today, so respecting and accepting any differences is crucial. Making an effort to get along with their family shows that you care about their feelings, and it sets the foundation for meaningful relationships in the future.

6. Appreciate what each other has to give

In a relationship, both parties bring something of value to the table. Whether it’s bringing in more income or doing more of the domestic work, it’s important to appreciate what your partner has to offer. Recognizing and valuing each other’s contributions creates a harmonious relationship, and it can save you from any future conflicts.

7. Do not let chivalry die, fellas

Taking a cue from my stepdad, chivalry should not be outdated. It’s essential for men to understand how to treat a lady, and that’s precisely what my stepdad did for my mom. Acts like holding doors open, opening her car door, or giving her your jacket when she’s cold aren’t difficult tasks, but they make a significant difference.

8. Ladies, it is okay to cater to your man

If your guy takes the time to be chivalrous, it’s okay to cater to him every once in a while. Doing things like making him dinner or folding his clothes shows that you appreciate him, and it makes him feel valued. It’s not about being submissive; it’s about letting him know that you care about him.

9. Communication is crucial

Communication is essential in every relationship. It’s easy to run into conflicts if both parties don’t communicate well. By communicating regularly, you ensure that you’re on the same page. Sharing your thoughts and feelings can help you develop a deeper connection with your partner.

10. Just remember, arguing is normal

Arguments are a standard part of any relationship. It’s unrealistic to think that there will never be disagreements. However, it’s crucial not to make mountains out of molehills. If you can keep the argument from escalating, you’re on the road to resolving the issue. My parents have been together for years, and even they still argue. What matters is that they always worked things out together.

In conclusion, watching your parents’ relationship can offer many learning opportunities. Learning to love each other’s flaws, respecting each other’s interests, giving each other space, compromising, respecting each other’s family, appreciating what each other has to offer, chivalry, catering to each other, communication, and resolve conflicts are crucial for a healthy relationship. Taking these behaviors to heart and putting them into practice can lead to a happy and fulfilling relationship.