A relationship between two people changes over time. There are different stages, and each has its own pitfalls and quirks. That's why relationship advice is worth its weight in gold.

The start of a relationship - there's advice for that, too

There's magic in every beginning. At this stage, a lot happens between the two partners without any conscious planning. But there are tips for this phase as well. Smiling is a very important one. With a friendly manner and a smile, you can achieve a lot even in the early days of a relationship. Another point is body language. Mirroring the other person earns bonus points. Similar movements create closeness. This has to be done with a delicate touch, though, otherwise the behavior comes across as a caricature.

Relationship advice

Relationship advice for the advanced stage

The advanced stage of a relationship often begins after about 3 months. Until then, partners avoid arguments - love is blind - but now the differences between them become clearer. One partner likes action movies, the other prefers romantic ones. Partners should see this stage as an opportunity. You get to see your partner as they really are. Both of you should find a balance between your own interests and your partner's. Don't deny who you are because you think that's how you'll keep the relationship going. Be open and don't be afraid to argue. A relationship can't grow without conflict. Arguing ultimately means you're committed to the partnership and working on it. Sometimes people are completely surprised when a relationship fails and say it was a good relationship - they never argued. Maybe one partner simply felt the effort of an argument wasn't worth it. Arguing takes energy. If the partnership isn't worth that energy, the relationship fizzles out and fails.
The other extreme in a partnership is that one partner only does their own thing. Partnerships are built on compromise, and whoever refuses to compromise ends up alone.

Relationship advice for the mature stage


A mature relationship usually begins when you move in together or when a child is born. The practical demands on the two people's lives increase. The home has to be kept up, the laundry has to be done, and the kids need their time, too. If the couple then lives out the classic family pattern - stay-at-home mom and sole breadwinner - they have to take care that the partnership doesn't drown in exactly these demands. Here's the advice for this stage:
talk to each other, treat the other person with respect and be mindful.

Relationship advice

You can set aside at least one day a week to describe the partnership respectfully from your own point of view. What was right, what was wrong. Conversations like these create closeness. They help you break out of the habit trap.