Every relationship needs healthy boundaries.

Topics such as the boundaries you wish to have can save you from heartbreak down the road.

These are simple dos and donts that you expect your partner to abide by. They could be as simple as how you expect them to communicate to whether or not your relationship is exclusive.

Setting boundaries can determine the success or failure of your relationship.

Even as you enjoy the butterflies that materialize in your stomach at the sight of your new partner, consider talking about the following:

• Communication style

This is very important information to give your partner. Tell them whether you like them to call or text, how often you need to hear from them, which pet names you like and which you don’t, etc. This will ensure that nobody gets offended when their communication preferences aren’t met.

In the same vein, talk about if and how you will address your relationship on social media. Some people are comfortable bearing it all online while others would like to keep it off social media.

• What to do during conflict

Disagreements are inevitable and so, you need to know whether your partner needs time alone when they’re angry or they prefer to hash out your disagreement there and then. Communicate this clearly, preferably before you have your first fight, so that you know what is expected of you.

• The type of commitment you want

To avoid any misunderstandings, clearly state what you expect as far as your relationship is concerned. Will you be exclusive or would you like an open relationship?

As you talk about commitment remember that you can’t change your partner. Even if you’ve clicked and you want different things from the relationship, it won’t end well. Be strong enough to let go if your expectations as far as commitment is concerned.

• Intimacy

It’s very important to set sexual boundaries. Tell your partner what you like and don’t like in the bedroom, how often you’re comfortable having sex, what level of intimacy you like on a first date or in public and when you’re alone, etc. Do you mind holding hands while you’re out and about? Are you a chronic hugger?

A partner who won’t respect these boundaries or tries to coerce you to break them even when you try to remain adamant risks becoming abusive. This is a relationship red flag and you need to run.

• Personal space

Tell your partner when you need personal space and what you require from them during this time. Do you need a few minutes alone when you wake up in the morning or do you like some quiet time when you come in from work?

Here’s just one of the examples on boundaries you should set early on in your relationship. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you feel your partner is crossing your boundaries and making you uncomfortable. And remember, some boundaries can be negotiated such that you’re both happy and on the same page.

Source:pulse.com

There are many ways to avoid pregnancy if you are having active sex.

Sperm can live inside your uterus for up to 5 days after having sex, and pregnancy can only occur if there is sperm in your uterus or fallopian tubes when you ovulate.

You have many tools to prevent pregnancy. Birth control options are plentiful, but some work better than others. The key is to make sure you’re using them the right way.

Here’s what you can do:

• You’re on birth control

Hormonal birth control methods such as the pill, patch, ring, implant, shot, or IUD significantly decrease your chances of getting pregnant, but they don’t eliminate your chances.

These experts say methods work in various ways. For example, IUDs block sperm from reaching the egg, while the pill, ring, and patch prevent ovulation.

• You’re on your period

While it’s not impossible to get pregnant while on your period, your chances are pretty slim. 

Your lowest chance of getting pregnant while on your period is during the first day of bleeding. But the chances increase with each passing day as you get closer to your ovulation window. If your typical menstrual cycle is close to the average 28- to 30-day cycle, then the likelihood of getting pregnant while on your period is low. But if your cycle is shorter, your chances of getting pregnant while on your period go up.

• You use the ‘pull-out’ method

The pull-out method may be the world’s oldest form of birth control.

The pull-out method, also known as withdrawal, involves pulling the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation.

While some studies have found that withdrawal can be as high as 96% effective with perfect use, it isn’t easy to maintain perfect use with this method. 

• You use a condom

When using a condom to avoid pregnancy (or sexually transmitted infections, for that matter), it’s vital to use it correctly. Correct usage means the condom is rolled onto the penis (or inserted into the vagina in the case of internal or female condoms) before there’s any contact between genitals and skin. 

According to research, the chance of getting pregnant with male condoms is about 18%, and with female condoms, it’s 21%. With perfect condom use every single time, those odds decrease to 2%.

Some nursing parents use the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) or “breastfeeding method” to prevent pregnancy after giving birth. LAM as a form of birth control relies on the temporary pause in ovulation that often accompanies breastfeeding in the first several months postpartum.

While breastfeeding, the hormone estrogen, which is responsible for getting your period each month, is suppressed experts say, hence, preventing pregnancy.

Source:pulse.com

Getting into a relationship with someone who has never been in a relationship is quite difficult.

They don’t have any idea of what happens when you’re in a relationship, the compromises and adjustments you do and most importantly, how to deal with the heartbreak if any.

Never underestimate the power of love. In many cases, people fall in love with those who are already married or dating someone else, so why not first-timers? It’s presumptuous to think that all first-timers are bad at relationships. Some are naturally good at them, while others need some practice.

Finding the love of your life in today’s modern world couldn’t be more difficult, so if you feel the one you’re dating is your soulmate, don’t let them go just because they are new to the whole dating scene. 

Here’s a guide that will help you date someone who has never been in a relationship:

• Communication

You must keep the communication clear and unbiased. They’ve never been in a relationship and might not understand the importance of clear communication. You’ve to guide them with this and tell them what they should keep in mind and how communication plays a vital role in it. Make sure you keep the communication going without any glitches or interference. Be their guiding torch and show them the path to be in a successful companionship.

• Be direct

The person you’re dating has never been in a relationship. Expecting them to understand the unsaid gestures and signs is too much. So, you have to be direct with them and drop the ‘they should know about it’ act.

They’re unaware of the entire thing and should be told everything. You have to make them understand the hidden meaning behind gestures and other things.

However, you have to make sure that you’re not being aggressive with them.

• Don’t let them dwell on their doubts about themselves

When a person who has never been in a relationship suddenly gets into one, they have self-doubt. They may question, “Why I have never been in a relationship?” or “Why this person is in a relationship with me?” Their self-doubts may put you in an uncomfortable spot and you might get irritated with this.

However, you must understand that you should learn to ignore these things. They’re in a relationship for the first time. It’s too much for them to accept hence self-doubt. So take it with a pinch of salt.

• Learn to fight

Fights are normal in a relationship. What changes is that your partner is not aware of how fights are in a relationship. With every individual, the pattern changes and the maturity to deal with the situation changes as well. So, you have to learn or relearn how to have arguments or fights.

• Control ego

When you’ve been in a relationship, you understand that ego at times can ruin the entire beautiful emotion one has. What may come along with you is an ego that you know a lot of things and your partner doesn’t.

Never let the thought that ‘my boyfriend has never been in a relationship’ or ‘I am an expert in a relationship’ bother you.

These things can sabotage your beautiful relationship and might give them a scar that might be hard for them to deal with.

• Display of PDA

Public display of affection (PDA) may work with someone while others may find it over the top. You must talk about this with your partner. They might be over-excited to be in a relationship and may want to display their love to you in public places as well.

You must make them understand what works and what doesn’t. Guide them in this.

Source:pulse.com