How to Beat the Seven Year itch

Successful relationships require proper maintenance in order to stay healthy. A major relationship stumbling block is the tendency to become complacent once the relationship progresses beyond a few years. The myth of the seven year itch has become reality for many as they succumb to the temptation to stray outside their relationship boundaries. Avoid becoming another statistic by taking the time to save your relationship from the dreaded seven year itch.

Instructions

1. Communicate your feelings with your partner. While it can be difficult to be honest about intimacy related issues, healthy communication is a vital tool in the prevention of extra marital affairs. Tell your partner about any issues that contribute to your uneasiness, including issues that directly involve interactions with other people. It’s important to be honest in order to let your partner have the opportunity to weigh in on the situation. This will help you both form a realistic picture of the current relationship.

2. Separate yourself from your temptation. Once you’ve identified your weakness, take the time to limit your exposure to it. Understand that honesty is not an excuse to indulge in inappropriate activities or thoughts. If you’re developing feelings for your coworker, stop eating lunch or riding to work with her. Use self control to stop situations from getting out of control. This will help you remain focused on the big picture and what you have waiting at home.

3. Keep your relationship fresh. Relationships are living organisms and must be given proper nourishment in order to thrive. There is a huge difference between mere survival and success. Invest your time into making and sharing new ideas and experiences with your partner. Refuse to allow work demands or other obligations to dampen the connection you share with your partner. Continue to try new things together to keep the fun times from becoming distant memories.

4. Celebrate special events and milestones with your partner. Occasions like anniversaries and birthdays are perfect opportunities to reflect on the time you’ve spent together. Although it may seem like the bad times receive the most focus, taking time to honor the good times helps refocus energy back into the positive aspects of the relationship. Look at old pictures and scrapbooks to spark warm memories of your partner. This is the ammunition you need to be able to beat the seven year itch.

5. Remember why you fell in love. As time goes by, it becomes easier to forget the reasons why you were initially attracted to your partner. Suddenly his snoring or her nail biting is your prime concern. Although common, this type of attitude is counterproductive when trying to beat the seven year itch. Other people and situations may seem even more attractive when you’re annoyed by your partner. It’s important to be able to put your total relationship into perspective before making rash, unhealthy decisions.

Tips & Warnings

• Remain truthful with your partner for the best chance of relationship success.

• Never keep your true intentions a secret from your partner.

• Don’t let your friends influence you to make decisions that are harmful to your relationship.