2018 Relationship Goals

Everyone has their own idea of what they want in love. Some people choose celebrity figures to represent the kind of partners and parents they want to be. It could be a relationship like the First Lady and the President. It could be a relationship like Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. It could be a relationship untouched by scandals, affairs and abuse.

With the new year coming up, there’s nothing wrong with reevaluating your life choices and coming up with a clear cut idea of how you want your relationship to be. The Weekender asked a few readers what their relationship goals are for the upcoming year.

“I will love my woman unconditionally, protect her and be there for her through thick and thin,” Success Felisberto Da Silva said. “I will always discuss issues affecting our relationship peacefully and I will not abuse her. I will create a conducive and safe relationship for me and my partner. But most of all, our relationship will be a good example to the men and women of our generation.”

More often than not, people in relationships are suffering due to violence and other abusive choices that their partners make. The Futures Without Violence organisation wrote a piece that said: “It’s not cool when someone dictates how you should dress, whether they overtly tell you or use more subtle tactics like shaming or passive aggressively making comments. The same goes for the choices you make in where you go or what you choose to do. This is your life, and a partner who respects you will be happy when you live it on your terms.”

Therefore, it is important to find someone who will keep the peace and most of all, love you the way that you deserve to be loved.

“I just want our relationship to be a good example to my fellow youths and the next generations to come,” Hertz Kanine expressed, further saying that he wanted a relationship where “we will not argue, but discuss and know how to handle our challenges as one”. He also sought a God-fearing relationship with true love, honesty, faithfulness, care and unity. “Good communication is also very important,” he added.

Many experts have claimed that communication constitutes a good relationship – despite it having its limits. For example, constantly looking through someone’s phone or bothering them to a point of annoyance does not mean good communication. Other foundations of a good relationship include trust, honesty, a sense of humour and a healthy bond.

“Good communication habits play a major role in a relationship, it has all I need,” Noa Noa said. And this included happiness while also keeping the trust strong.

Sadly, we have come across many reports of men and women constantly having affairs in the country – getting married behind someone else’s back or simply ignoring their partner, rather only using them when necessary. But with good communication and a sense of trust, the relationship can work out.

“Trust and communication” is the goal, Fillipe Raquan Tobias, said. “Let them say ‘I wish it was us’. I want us to lead by good example. And I want our daughter to say ‘my parents love each other so don’t disturb their love’.’” And while a relationship seems like the goal, others are aiming for something a little bit higher.

Te Fiti Handobe’s goal, for example, was to require “a ring and a new surname”. There are a few out there who think that marrying someone only makes the relationship worse between two people, but this is not necessarily true.

“He got me a promise ring as a token of love and commitment,” Precious Angie Kawana said. “So I see us elevating to new heights with God’s glory. We are both God-fearing and we have him at the centre of our relationship. I love him and he loves me too, what could possibly go wrong next year? Just abundant blessings.”

Interestingly enough, Desrè Devine Tsuses said that being single was no longer a vibe. “My relationship goal is actually to have a relationship…”

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