Devotion is a pretty understandable term at an abstract level for most people. However, it has its own nuances, and each of us has our own interpretation of where its boundaries begin and end. However, there are some very clear definitions, traits, and practices to keep in mind when considering how devotion works in a relationship.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Start with the basics
Step 1. Give your own definition of devotion
The vocabulary definition includes external obligations, both personal and civil. However, external obligations can feel like imposed behavior. The real importance of loyalty in a relationship lies in the internal aspect, namely your own moral principles in relation to personal obligations.
- Understand that love, dedication, dedication, and commitment are individual choices. They cannot be supported by external sources, they must come from within. Therefore, the first thing you should realize is what devotion is in your understanding, and adapt / change according to circumstances only to the extent that does not contradict your moral guidelines.
- If you decide to change your understanding of devotion to make the other person happy, it will lead you to become unhappy yourself later on. Be realistic and honest with yourself and figure out what you can or cannot change about your beliefs.
Step 2. Treat your partner the way you want him to treat you
Once you understand what loyalty means to you, you also understand what kind of relationship you expect. This, in turn, will tell you how to treat your partner. For example, if you want to be able to rely on your partner's support, you should show him that you will support him emotionally and financially in both good and bad times.
Step 3. Be realistic
There are very few absolute concepts in life, but you can enlist the following: there are no ideal people. Your partner has strengths and weaknesses, wonderful qualities and weaknesses. Don't expect him to be superhuman. And don't expect the same from yourself.
Accept your partner for who he is, with all the flaws. Our weaknesses characterize us as well as our strengths. Demonstrating that you embrace it all unconditionally can greatly enhance your mutual sense of commitment
Step 4. Stay true to your commitments
You love your partner for a specific reason. Remind yourself of this regularly, taking the time to solidify in your mind what your partner means to you. This will make it much easier for you to maintain a commitment to your relationship and to your partner. Dating each other regularly, setting aside time to talk about how each of you have had a day, and expressing appreciation for each other are all good ways to strengthen your relationship.
Step 5. Be faithful
It is generally accepted that loyalty does not include cheating on a partner. This is a very hurtful act that in most cases leads to the end of the relationship. It is important to discuss with your partner whether the relationship is open or closed and what is loyalty and what is not. Be sure to talk about your expectations of the relationship and what actions each of you need to take to feel safe and respected.
Method 2 of 4: Demonstrate Caring
Step 1. Communicate
Everything revolves around communication, and there is nothing like open communication for demonstrating and reinforcing loyalty. People are social creatures. Sharing is not just a desire, it is a necessity. This will bring you closer not only to your partner, but also to yourself.
- It is easier to keep misunderstandings to a minimum with regular, open communication. The more you know what your partner is thinking, the easier it will be for you to avoid conflicts.
- Sharing details leads to intimacy. And this, in turn, brings them closer together. It is like aging fine wine: the more time passes, the more fruitful and wonderful the relationship becomes, and the stronger the loyalty becomes.
Step 2. Be honest
Keep your word and promises. The fastest way to lose loyalty, or show that you lack it, is to constantly let your partner down, lie to him, or break your promises. One of the oldest truths to keep in mind is that make only those promises you can keep.
Be mindful of your partner's feelings. For example, if he looks terrible in his outfit, there is probably a better way to tell him about it. For example: "I think in a different suit you will look much prettier and sexier", or like this: "Nice, but I think that in a dress you will look amazing."
Step 3. Study your partner's preferences
Thus, developing devotion will not be work, but pleasure. The people for whom we are ready for anything and who are closest to us are those who take the time to get to know us well. You can even turn it into a game.
- Surprise your partner with his favorite meal for dinner.
- Invite your partner to the play if he likes to go to the theater.
- Avoid Michael Bay films if your partner hates meaningless action-based films.
Step 4. Be close emotionally and physically
Providing support is the key to success. Sometimes a partner needs a hug or just to be heard. To demonstrate and reinforce commitment, learn to understand what he needs and provide it.
- If you see that something is upsetting your partner, do not wait for him to come up to you to talk about it. Ask what happened. Most likely, the person will be glad that you care.
- If he says he doesn't want to discuss it, don't force him and give him some space. Wait until he is ready to tell you everything.
Step 5. Understand the difference between love and passion
We love siblings, cousins, family members, but love for a partner is different, and passion is at the heart of that difference. If your partner knows that your passion for him is blazing, then loyalty will greatly strengthen and become an even more important part of your relationship.
There are many ways to focus on developing and maintaining passion. For example, having intimate dates or sharing each other's hobbies will also bring you a lot of fun
Method 3 of 4: Make your partner your priority
Step 1. Keep secrets secret
Nothing kills loyalty faster than divulging other people's secrets. If you cannot trust your partner with confidential information, your need to be true to your word, obligations and agreements will fade and fade. If the person asks you to keep their secret, keep your mouth shut.
If your partner's secret is potentially dangerous to the person you care about, find a way to deal with that information so that your reputation isn't compromised
Step 2. Take your partner's side
As Don and Michael Corleone said in "The Godfather" (this phrase was mentioned in both the first and second parts): "Never go against the family in public." Stay on the side of your partner. Don't discuss your differences in public. This will greatly increase loyalty, as the partner will know that he can rely on you, that you will never embarrass him in front of others.
- Disputes between partners and within families can be extremely delicate. Remember this undeniable fact: you live with your partner, not family members. Perhaps this relationship will last for the rest of your life. Stand on your partner's side.
- Switching to your partner's side does not mean that you have to cut ties with your family. Support your partner, and if you disagree with something, report it in private and explain why you think so. This will greatly enhance loyalty.
- After you resolve the situation with your partner, do the same with family members. Let them know that the subject of the disagreement is not a problem situation and / or a difficult decision. You and your partner will continue to discuss this, and perhaps you can all come back to the question later and find a mutually acceptable solution.
Step 3. Put your partner's needs first
If he is sick, and you agreed to play football with your comrades, cancel the friendly match and take care of your loved one. If he just needs your support at a corporate event, but you hate his boss, leave this dislike and go to the event in a good mood. Your partner needs you. Be there.
Step 4. Accept your partner's flaws
Again, we're all flawed, so instead of scolding your partner or making them feel worthless, accept what happened and come back to the problem later. Give yourself time to see the bigger picture and get an opportunity to help your partner become better.
Behavior patterns are more revealing than isolated incidents. Once you both take a step back and look at the overall behavior, things become much easier. In addition, this way you can learn to interact more effectively with each other. Remember - the point is to heal, not blame
Method 4 of 4: Face adversity with your head held high
Step 1. Become mature during disagreements
No couples get along 100% of the time. You will argue. Perhaps even quarrel. The main thing is to understand when to leave, cool down and return to the question after the dust settles.
It's okay to agree and disagree. You won't always be looking in the same direction, but it's important to remember that you can still respect your partner's position and their decisions to believe what they believe
Step 2. Get away from temptation
We can all succumb to temptation. In such a situation, go to the bathroom or some other quiet place where no one will bother you for sure. Take a few deep breaths in and out and think seriously about what you are about to do.
Accept reality. There will always be people who will seem attractive to you. Relationships don't make the rest of the world suddenly ugly, stupid, or uninteresting. Understand this and know that you are making a conscious choice to be with your partner. This will make it easier for you to avoid temptation
Step 3. Learn to control your impulses
Emotions are fleeting and short-lived. They are also more impulsive. Unreasonable emotions can cause us great pleasure in the short term, but even more pain in the long term. Self-control allows you to keep your priorities in check at all times.
This is another example of when it is worth leaving before something significant and much worse happens
Step 4. Take responsibility
Whether it's a mistake you made or disrespectful words, admit it. If your partner has questions, answer them. Don't make excuses, evade, or come up with explanations. Answer simply, honestly, and truthfully. It will be possible to work through emotions later, when they are not in full swing.