I am proud and happy to say that I’m in a committed relationship! We have been dating for a little over a month now, though it actually seems so much longer than that. In this last month my girlfriend and I have been spending so much time together, I feel almost as if I’ve known her for years.

Since we’ve been dating, being with her has shown me parts of myself that I’ve never seen. And, though I’m still learning more and more about relationships, I have come to new understandings and wisdom about how relationships work just being in a relationship. And I feel compelled to discuss certain issues which I believe people should address when looking for love and companionship and/or trying to maintain a committed relationship.

A lot times we avoid answering the tough heartfelt questions. Yet, in order for a relationship to mature and develop, we should discuss these tough questions which require us to go deep into our feelings, character values, and true beliefs. I know that I need to really address certain issues so that I can make wise decisions, because I’ve learned that for me the rational decision, or even my initial natural response to issues are not always the correct or best decision.

• What Do You Want Out of A Relationship? – Here is a question that all single people need to ask themselves before getting into a relationship. How do you feel someone can complement you as a person…or vice versa? Do you want a real relationship… or do you want someone just to have sex with and cuddle with when you’re lonely? Also think about what does your potential boyfriend/girlfriend want out of a relationship with you. I know that in my case, besides the desire to love and to be loved; one thing I always wanted out of a relationship is simply just someone to share my life experiences with.
• How Can I Compliment Someone Else? – I feel that some people think they are so special, and that they are God’s gift to the world. And their boyfriend/girlfriend should just be happy to be in their presence. Yet, all they can do is look pretty and take pictures. One thing that’s missing in a lot of relationships is the desire to make their companion a better person. Helping your companion build character, build their business, or just encouraging them will strengthen the relationship so much!
• Do I Have Reasonable Expectations for Him/Her? – We all start off in a relationship trying to show off our best sides. That’s why you can’t expect to be treated in the same way throughout a relationship the same way you were treated when you started dating. And, with that same understanding, you can’t expect people to be who you want them to be, you have to learn how to love them the way they are.