From Romance to Relationship

Once you meet someone amazing, tick off your list of desirable traits, and manage to get their phone number, what next?

Sometimes finding someone is only the tip of the iceberg, and knowing how to transform your fledgling romance into the ideal relationship can be difficult.

Hamilton relationship consultant Liz Heart offers relationship coaching, as well as running companies Dinner for Six and Adventure Date, [organizations] that organize events for singles wishing to meet new people.

Having watched many romances begin, Heart says the main problem in establishing a new relationship is "people from our quick-fix society want a quick fix." Heart says this attitude is reflected in the rise in popularity of speed-dating evenings and Internet dating sites.

However, in the wise words of Diana Ross and The Supremes, sometimes you can't hurry love. Heart worries some people are hurt more than helped by looking for the "quick fix," and believes spending time with someone right from the start is the best way to grow a good relationship. "People need to be doing stuff together to promote bonding."

Another barrier to successful relationships getting off the ground can be that people don't recognize their own imperfections.

"We all have flaws, and you need to understand what yours are and work within their limitations."

Heart says many people dislike imperfections in others that are flaws they have themselves, so it is important to acknowledge your own failings before listing those of your new beau or belle.

Ultimately, putting time and effort into the relationship, along with "basic honesty about where you're at," are the key things Heart believes will get people past the first date and into a love-filled future.

Source: Waikato Times. Powered by Yellowbrix.