8 relationship rules you can break

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Who says you need to adhere to the rules to be successful? Just because they are followed by the others doesn't mean you have to abide strictly by them. Especially when it comes to love, each couple is different and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Besides having a certain level of trust, we must allow for some flexibilities in a relationship. There are certain relationship rules that need some serious debunking. We say ditch these bendable code of conducts with confidence and chances are you would do better than those who don't.

Rule #1 - Never date a co-worker
While dating your boss is understandably a no-no, if you're able to juggle your career and a relationship with one hand, an office romance with your co-worker might not be a bad idea afterall. Of all people, he would be someone who's caring and understanding enough to know how busy you are with your job. You get to have direct contact with him on a daily basis. And no schedule clashes, too. If you do meet someone at work whom you think you want to spend the rest of your life with, never let this rule dictate your love life. No relationships get by without any obstacles anyway.

Rule #2 - Avoid disagreements with your partner
Arguing is never fun. But healthy disagreements never sink a relationship because it actually creates sparks. The most important thing is to be able to agree to disagree and put the issue to rest once and for all. You have to remind yourself that the relationship is also about you too. Before you know it, suppressed anger will fester and bring more problems. Channel them using the right way. Express them but avoid verbal insults or name-calling.

Rule #3 - Jealousy ruins the relationship
We know how jealousy can be the catalyst for major relationship destructions because it signifies lack of trust. But rather than displaying a couldn't-care-less attitude, it's good to feel a possessive pang of jealousy at times. If it's in moderation, it does not mean that you're needy or insecure, you're just being attentive to your partner. Unless you have a history of cheating in the past, a healthy, playful type of jealousy will not cause unnecessary tension.

Rule #4 - If you are always the initiator, it means you're the loser
The receiver of affection may gain an upper hand at first, but if you have been on the receiving end all along, it could come back and haunt you. If you're bothered about something, express them instead of pretending that you don't. Being the aggressor in a relationship doesn't mean you're the loser; it demonstrates how love is stronger than your pride. While a healthy relationship already has a strong level of trust, a little extra reassurance can do no harm.

Rule #5 - We should tell each other everything
The famous adage "Honesty is the best policy" does not apply to every situation. While it's important to wear your heart on your sleeves and initiate discussions when there are serious issues in your relationship, there are things that are probably best left unsaid. For example, if your current partner does something that reminds you of your ex, it's better to keep it to yourself even if it's a flattering comparison. More often than not, your partner would not like to hear anything about your former flame at all.

Rule #6 - Meeting up almost every day is a must to keep things alive
During the "honeymoon period" of the relationship, this may be true. But once it is over, you will feel that the "magic" is missing and you start to take each other for granted. It might seem counterintuitive, but not spending time together all the time and divert your focus to your own personal goals will instead reignite the spark. A temporary absence does make the heart grow fonder.

Rule #7 - The relationship is doomed if we have nothing in common
If you feel that your relationship is hitting a roadblock and you're blaming on the lack of sparks, it's probably because the excitement in your relationship has worn off. If you have nothing in common, why would there be butterflies in the stomach when you first met in the first place? When it comes to this, it does take two to tango but you don't need to have the same interests to sustain a relationship. It's about exploring novelty together to see each other in a new light.

Rule #8 - Never apologise if it's not your fault
It's easier said than done. We know how hard it is to say sorry at times but taking the high road will do you good in the long run. As the popular saying goes, "Saying you're sorry doesn't mean you're wrong. It means you value your relationship more than your ego." It means you agree to disagree. It shows your genuine desire to protect the relationship.