The number of people living alone in single-person households in Germany was 19.6 million in 2019. In 1996 it was only 15.6 million. The number of singles keeps rising. But how can you have a good relationship ?

Even so, many people want a good relationship: singles sites on the internet are booming, as you can easily tell from the growing amount of advertising for them on radio and television.

Having a good relationship - how?

having a good relationship

Point one is certainly that you have to be at peace with yourself. Who am I, where do I want to go, do I like myself the way I am... You should absolutely be able to answer these questions positively for yourself. You have to like yourself before others do.

Point two is that you should absolutely accept your partner as he or she is, with all their weaknesses and strengths. Many try to change their partner through criticism, but that often leads to arguments. That is no fun in a relationship!

Point three is that you should stay true to your views and goals. If you don't like a red-painted kitchen, then you shouldn't let your partner talk you into one. If you want kids only after a career step up, then you should stay true to yourself on that point and wait (together) for as long as it takes. Because otherwise this leads to arguments and escalations again and again in the future. That is certainly no way to have a good relationship.

Point four: talk a lot. That is how misunderstandings get cleared up and your partner's point of view is better understood. That brings back the desired affection, and together you can have a good relationship.

Shared activities are very important - having a good relationship


Point five: shared activities strengthen the partnership. Trips to a lake, a castle, an unfamiliar city, a city break (New York, London...) "bring you together". That gives you shared memories, shared topics of conversation and plenty to laugh about when you talk about it later. Board games and walks belong here too. This can also strengthen a long-standing relationship again and again and make it good. Taking photos you can look at later is certainly very worthwhile. Modern smartphones make this enormously easier. That way no boredom or routine sets in, and you can have a good relationship.

having a good relationship

Point six: each partner who wants a good relationship should keep pursuing their hobbies: keep up jogging, soccer, swimming, dancing, in order to preserve a certain independence. Likewise, keep your own circle of friends. That way you can make use of certain free spaces and "clear your head". You then go into shared activities with a partner strengthened. This is all the more important if you live together with your partner. That is exactly when you absolutely need your free space.