These relationship skills will change your life!
Relationships can be complicated, but if you are open to learning more, you can become better at them. Openness to experience is important because it plays a big role in the whole process of being better at something.
Interestingly enough, Gen X is harshly judged about the way they handle relationships, but they are also the ones who have some big lessons for us. They were the ones who grew up in environments that were not friendly at all, and sometimes they can say they basically grew up alone.
This made them realize some stuff about the world around us from a very early age and also shaped the way they view romantic relationships. Gen X adults are now resilient adults who are in successful relationships. They are great partners!
So, here are some Gen X relationship skills that might help everyone! Learn how to be a better partner.
Sometimes a phone call is better than a text
This is one of the most important relationship skills we can learn from them because it can make a huge difference. When a situation is emotional, don’t text—call. We all have been through this, and we were confused about what we should do. A text message seems more accessible, but could you express yourself completely in a simple text message?
But let’s see. Have you ever tried to solve an argument through text? How did that go? Probably not spectacular. Doing something like this over text is an almost impossible task. A call is so much better in this case.
This might explain why Gen Xers are so passionate about calling and how this is one of the best relationship skills they have. These guys grew up in an era where phones were stuck to the wall. Real-time conversations were how relationships thrived, and this is why they had to master the art of conversation.
Calling someone is so practical because hearing the tone of their voice is helpful, especially when you want to solve a conflict. Though text a simple “fine” could mean “I’m okay” or “I’m absolutely furious but don’t want to say it.” Miscommunication is guaranteed.
Divorce as a last resort
When they were growing up, all they could see around them were divorcing couples. The divorce rates were skyrocketing, and families were falling apart. Many Gen Xers had divorced parents, and they know very well what that means for children. If this was a defining part of their childhood, it shaped how they see romantic relationships, and they want to try anything to repair the mess before divorcing.
According to Bradford Wilcox, director of the National Marriage Project, almost half of the children born to married parents in the 1970s experienced the divorce of their parents. What caused this spike in the divorce rates? Cultural shifts played a huge role. Women became more powerful, and they were able to leave unfulfilling marriages. the advent of no-fault divorces and evolving gender roles also contributed.
This made Gen X flip the script. They are set to make their relationships work, and divorce is the last thing they want. For them, divorce isn’t the go-to solution for every problem, and this is one of the relationship skills we can pick up from them.
Learning to communicate and the way compromise works can get you far in a relationship, and all of us would give this a try before we file for divorce.
Sometimes being alone is fine
We can’t have this list of relationship skills without mentioning this one. As we have already said, they mastered growing up alone. Coming home to an empty house was something normal to them, and this is why some call them the “latchkey kids.” Parents were at work, and there were no smartphones in sight. They had to deal with the solitude.
But this way of life, with all of the downsides, also made them stronger. Gen Xers are very aware that being alone is not something you should be afraid of. The world today constantly pushes connection, but sometimes it is perfectly fine to enjoy your own company.
Being comfortable when alone is a huge thing that not many have mastered. This leads to unhealthy relationship dynamics and a tendency to cling to your partner. In a good scenario, both partners feel free to live their own lives instead of being overly dependent on each other.
Gen-Xers know very well that “alone” should never be confused with “lonely,” and this helps them understand that some time spent apart will never weaken the relationship. It can actually strengthen it.
This is one of the relationship skills they have in their playbook, and it would be great if many of us could learn more about this.
Loyalty is everything
For them loyalty in love isn’t just a promise—it’s how they live their life! Growing up watching relationships crumble stuck with Gen Xers, and they know very well that commitment is what matters even when things get rough.
This is a relationship skill we all should follow because, for them, this loyalty we are talking about goes beyond simply being faithful in the romantic sense. If your partner has a hard time, you need to be there for them no matter what. You are one, and you have to conquer even the hardest battles together. Loyalty is a daily practice, not just a one-time thing.
In today’s fast world, options seem endless, and relationships feel disposable, but those born in the 60s and 70s are very aware of the power of steadiness. Loyalty is the glue that keeps both of you together through life’s ups and downs. This is how you achieve true happiness along with someone.
You should enjoy living your life
“Work to live, don’t live to work!” This is the mantra of many Gen Xers, and believe us when we tell you that they know better. Of all relationship skills, this one is the key to a fulfilling relationship.
Baby Boomers were all about their jobs, and the new generation wanted to shift the paradigm and have more time for themselves and their families. They realized that workaholic habits are not healthy and can even destroy relationships.
This is a mindset that doesn’t just improve personal happiness but also helps you have stronger bonds with your partner and those around you. When work takes up all the space you have in your mind, it’s very easy to forget about love and relationships. You are focused on something else, and that can be dangerous long term.
All areas of your life should get attention. It’s all about balance. You should work, but also you should have time to relax and time to spend with your partner.
If you want to learn more about how to make your relationship better, it’s a good idea to know about love languages. We all have a different way to express our love, and it’s important to be aware of this. Want to know how much your partner loves you? This book is a great start: The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts
You should also read: 6 Reasons People Lose Interest Suddenly
I can’t keep a man