In Romance

In Romance

1. Define what a healthy relationship is and recognize if you are ready to be in one.

Know that you deserve a happy and healthy relationship, which Gelb said begins with "two individuals who are whole within themselves rather than filled with emotional holes."

Many couples run into problems when one needs the other to fill emotional voids within them, but this isn't the relationship's responsibility. Be self-loving and do not look to your partner to fill a need for love that you need to give to yourself.

2. In order to respect your partner, you must first respect yourself.

"When you respect yourself then you're going to have a realistic but high standard for what you're willing to accept or not in terms of a relationship," Gelb said. "It's also going to be easier to respect the other person, and by respect I also mean respecting our differences so that we can coexist and complement each other."

3. Take care of your mind, body and soul.

Taking care for yourself in all facets of life allows you to bring your best self to the relationship. Gelb suggests daily exercise and meditation, as well as using breathing techniques and eating nutritiously.

She especially encourages clients to focus on emotional health. A big part of self-care is learning to safely cope with your own emotions and being comfortable letting out your frustrations with yourself rather than with your partner. She suggests pulling your car to the side of the road on your drive home from work and talking to yourself. Say out loud what you wanted to say to your rude boss or maybe even let out a therapeutic yell.

4. Make humor a daily part of your relationship.

Don't take yourself too seriously, learn to laugh at yourself and try to find the humor in all situations, advised Gelb. Laughing with your partner allows you to let go for a little and enjoy each other's company. Crack a joke and relish in the moment with the one you love!