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
Denne historien er fra February 05, 2024-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra February 05, 2024-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'SEEING MY NAME ON TV IS SURREAL'
Loose Women newbie Olivia Attwood Dack on joining the hit show, marriage and career goals
THE MISSING PIECE
My earliest memory of my older sister Priya wasn’t one where she was present, but rather, the realisation of her absence.
WEEKNIGHT WINNERS
Rustle up these tasty family dinners with just five easy ingredients
SMILING THROUGH CANCER
Like most mums, when my kids are upset I’ll do almost anything to turn their frowns upside down, whether it’s making Max, 11, his favourite chocolate cake or putting on silly voices for Georgia, eight, when she’s had a bad day at school.
BRAVERY AMIDST SUCH HORROR
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on dinner time, posh grub and wet summers
RELAX & RESET
For farm-to-table food and a game-changing spa, head for the dramatic Dolomites
HELP! I'M TURNING INTO MY MUM
As the years pass, Heather Main, 39, realises she’s inheriting more and more of her mother’s traits
I WAS MISTAKEN FOR MY HUSBAND'S MISTRESS!
When Gemma Loveden, 38, lost l6st, a family member was convinced she was someone else...
Denise confesses I'MA MORNING SEX PERSON'
Never one to mince her words, Denise Welch is much-loved by fans for her refreshing honesty.
Cat & Ben SNUBBED!
Are the This Morning hosts feeling disgruntled after missing out on an NTA nomination in favour of Alison?