1. Take things slow.
While it’s hard to keep your excitement when you’ve just committed yourself into a new relationship, it’s important that you take things slow. There’s always time for everything, so how about taking the time to get to know your partner more? Enjoy each other’s company. There’s no rush in taking the relationship to the next level; you still have a lot of things to discover from each other, so enjoy the initial stages of the relationship.

2. Don’t rush into sleeping together.
Speaking of taking things slow, you might not want to be too eager to go to bed together.  Others would say that being sexually active as well as being sexually compatible are important in a relationship, and they are right. However, note that it comes with big responsibilities. Instead of being wild and impulsive, try to talk about the matter. Both of you should be ready whatever the consequences of your actions will be. Both of you should be mature enough when you handle things like this. Besides, you can keep your level of intimacy without doing the thing right away.

3. Set your expectations.
Since you’ve just started the relationship, it’s important that you set your expectations. What do you expect from this relationship? What do you expect from your partner? What are your needs? What do you want and not want your partner to do? Let your partner know about your expectations, so you can immediately talk about some compromises. Also, it will be easier for the both of you to adjust with each other when you’re aware of these expectations.

4. Don’t ever compare.
Sometimes, you can’t help but compare your present partner with your ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend. However, this is one of the most important relationship don’ts. Remember that your partner is a different person. He or she is your now, so live in the present. Don’t keep looking for your ex’s characteristics.  Otherwise, you should have just stayed with your ex or not commit yourself into a new relationship.

5. Communication is key.
One of the most effective ways to build a strong relationship is to keep an open communication. Hence, as new couples, make it a habit to open up to each other. If you’ve seen your partner doing things you don’t like, then tell your partner about it. If your partner’s making you uncomfortable, then let him or her know what you feel. If there are specific boundaries to be set, your partner should know. Staying open to each other will not only fix problems right away but will also address any potential problems in the relationship.

6. Learn from each other.
Since you are now partners, you need to acknowledge each other’s contribution to the relationship. Listen to each other. Learn from each other.  Your partner may have some values different from yours, but take the time to hear his or her thoughts. Respect his or her own principles in life. Learn from each other’s experiences.  Remember that a good relationship is a give and take between the two of you.  Hence, allow the relationship to grow by learning from each other.

7. Accept each other’s shortcomings.
You must have seen something in him or her. That’s why you’ve allowed him or her to become part of your life. However, know that you are not having a relationship with a perfect person. Neither of you is, so expect to witness your partner’s flaws. Accept each other’s shortcomings. As a partner, give your boyfriend or girlfriend pieces of advice. Talk about what you think is best for your partner, but don’t ever try to change him or her. Your partner should be able to keep his or her individuality even though he or she is now with you.

8. Don’t forget your friends.
Just because you’ve already found yourself someone you can call a partner doesn’t mean you will forget about your friends. Your time may now be divided, but the key is balance. Why don’t you introduce your partner to your friends? Make sure that you maintain your social life even when you’re now in a relationship. Also, your friends might have even played a big role in your love story, so treasure your friends. Be grateful to them. When you will encounter problems with your partner, trust me, you’re going to need them, and you will thank them for being there for you.

9. Value and learn from your fights.
There will come a time that all the butterflies in the stomach will go away. You will have misunderstandings. You will have fights. You will even cry. However, know that these fights are necessary for your relationship to step up. These fights, no matter how small they are,  will actually strengthen the foundation of your relationship. Hence, if you find yourself arguing with your partner, don’t bring up the idea of a breakup. Rather, learn from those fights. Take note of the things that will make your partner get mad. Don’t allow your fights go unresolved. If possible, don’t let the day end without you two patching things up.