What I Learned in 2011: Take Time to Work on Your Relationship

In 2011 I learned that I need to work on my relationship with my girlfriend.

Having dated my girlfriend for over two years now things are great. We get along well, we 
have fun, and most importantly we share many of the same values of faith and family. While dating I have learned that even though we now know each better, the relationship 
still takes just as much (if not more) work. 

Early when we were dating I thought that the relationship might become easier once we 
learned more about each other, learned each others habits, ways of thinking, and decision 
making tendencies. 

But the part I failed to realize is that relationships take work because the closer you come 
together, the more you have to work to make the relationship successful. As a result of realizing that relationships take work, Jen and I often engage in a weekly "check-in" where we give each other permission to talk about important issues, topics, or problems. I like to call it the "State of the Union" but that is more of a fun phrase. We have also taken taken time to work through some dating books and marriage books to help us be oriented to what we might expect going forward.

The short answer to what I learned in 2011 is that relationships take time and hard work. 
And I need to continue to work on my relationship.

Question: How do you work on your relationship with your spouse?

Comments

[Jen]

Thanks for your commitment to work on our relationship!

[Christopher Scott]

You are welcome Princess.

I do work hard on it and hope I can serve and love as Christ has modeled for me.

Love,
PC