Over the course of my 15-year relationship with my husband, Gaz, I’ve prided myself on its success. We argue, but once we’ve cooled down we try to learn from it. Before we became parents a year ago, I was confident our marriage was a winner, but there’s nothing quite like parenthood to test a relationship. If there are seven rules to a successful relationship, as suggested by The School of Life, an organisation offering resources for self-understanding and growth, how many do we abide by – and where is there room for improvement? Gaz and I find out.
1 THE PARTNER MUST FEEL HEARD
They say a healthy relationship isn’t about the absence of conflict, it’s about navigating conflict well. I’m a social butterfly, while Gaz can be a right misery who would happily never attend a party. I want him to come out with me, so we often end up arguing over why he won’t happily, willingly, socialise. We may not feel heard in the heat of an argument, but to give me and Gaz some credit, we are good at coming back together for a hug and a better conversation in which we actually listen to each other.
LESSON LEARNT
Gaz and I will continue to communicate after every row, even when we don’t feel like it.
2 THEY MUST FEEL WE ARE ON THEIR SIDE
Esta historia es de la edición February 05, 2024 de WOMAN'S OWN.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición February 05, 2024 de WOMAN'S OWN.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
MAGNIFICENT MAURITIUS
Pe This istand in the ut 7% Indian Ocean feels Sa: like paradise, says Charlotte Richards
I HATE BEING A MUM
One woman, 55, reveals why she resents all of the sacrifices she made to be a mother
SLASH SUGAR AND SLIM
Trying to lose weight? With these clever tweaks, you don’t have to miss out on the seasonal sweet stuff
DAWN HARPER ASK THE DOCTOR
Doctor Dawn Harper answers all your questions
SEX HORRORS SOLVED!
Stop physical intimacy from turning into the stuff of nightmares with our expert advice
THE TRUTH ABOUT LIFE WITH CANCER
More than 12,000 people are diagnosed with brain tumours each year in the UK. Two mums tell us how the cruel disease changed their lives forever
DAWN NEESOM MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on marriage, tea and Absolutely Fabulous!
TRAPPED INSIDE MY HOME WITH A MONSTER
Gemma Williams, 46, thought she'd die at the hands of her partner
AMANDA TO REPLACE CAT?
With increasing criticism directed at the This Morning host, are producers ready to call in a familiar face?
Get the GOSS
Your round-up of this week's biggest showbiz stories