Just the other day I was thinking about how challenging it can be to cultivate a happy,ย committedย relationship. ย Couples work every day to keep their love alive and show each other how much they care. ย I’ve been in my fair share of terrible relationships, and had such a hard time scrolling through Instagram seeing all these adorable #CoupleGoals shots from my friends. ย My life changed completely when Brandon came along, and suddenly the roles were reversed, and I was getting comments from friends sayingย we were #CoupleGoals. ย I sat and thought long and hard about what that phrase really means, and how it applies to my relationship, or to any relationship, really. ย Brandon and I are both business-minded and while the blog is my full time job, he’s side-hustling a growing YouTube channel along with his 9-5. ย How canย we maintain this #CoupleGoals achievement in reality, not just in photos on social media? ย Here’s what I came up with:
We have each other’s backs no matter what.ย Whether we have our hands full with all it takes to run these businesses, or we’re breaking down because it sometimes feels like too much to handle, weย are alwaysย there for each other. ย We support each other fully, take part in each other’s content sometimes, and tell one another when it’s time to stop and take a break for a bit.
We keep business talk to a minimum when it’s a date night.ย Sure, our excitement or gripes about what we do during the day sometimes pop up in dinnertime conversation, but we also try to keep the table-talk upbeat and related to other parts of our lives. ย Business can come later. ย We spent the first year of our relationship long distance, so we have plenty of real date nights and fun conversations to catch up on now that we live in the same city.
We never stop encouraging one another. Brandon is especially wonderful at this. ย Not a day goes by where he’s not congratulating me on more followers, complimenting an outfit in one of my posts, or telling me he’s proud of how much I’ve grown and all the work I’ve accomplished. ย This kind of encouragement keeps me moving forward. ย There’s nothing more satisfying than feeling the pride of your partner.
We sayย (and show) “I love you” like there’s no tomorrow. ย This is extremely important. ย “I love you” should be every couple’s catchphrase. ย Say it in the morning, at night, through text during a busy day, and even while the other person is sleeping. ย Never let them forget that you care about them more than anyย job that comes your way. ย Show it as well. ย Whether it’s just texting a funny inside joke to your SO when you know they’re having a long day, or bringing them their favorite fast food to surprise them at work, or even just saying “hey, do you want to watch that movie you were talking about?” ย These little gestures of love make all the difference in the world.
We show an interest in each other’s interests. ย Sure, B might not be the biggest fan of women’s fashion, but he reads every post, tries to visit every store I like, and even frequently asks me “what kind of shoes or those” or “what’s that designer bag again?” He makes an effort to be part of my world, and I do the same for him. ย I’ve begun watching basketball (and enjoying it) on a weekly basis, and I’ve started to recognize certain hip hop artists’ voices when he plays a song. ย Each of us strive to invest in each other 100%.
Along with all these things, we love to just have fun! ย We even recently made customized phone cases together, thanks toย CaseAPP. ย I have worked with this company in the past, and their sister company,ย StickerAPP, and loved the quality of their products with all my heart. ย Brandon was so excited to try itย out, and the day after he put it on his phone, he texted me sayingย “I love my case so much!” ย Always nice to hear! ย Rather than putting my logo on my case (which is what I did last time), I chose this fashion sketch of myself that the wonderful Lis Yi illustrated for me around the beginning of fall! ย You can see her inspiration here, and more of her sketches here. ย Brandon loves his logo that Gretel Garza designed so much that he put it on his matte phone case! ย Of course we had to show off these fun cases, so we got dolled up and had a blast doing this photoshoot – another thing we love to do together!
How do you keep your relationship going strong? ย Do you look at yourself and your significant other and say “we are totally #CoupleGoals”? ย How did you get to that point? ย I love talking about love, so join me in adding your suggestions – they’re always so great to hear!
this is what happens when you tell your boyfriend to “act like he’s talking on the phone” during a photoshoot! ๐ย there was no way I wasn’t including these photos!
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dress | heels | jacket | hat | necklace | hair extensions | phone cases (20% off with 20shesawstyle)
Mariann Yip says
Awww I really love this post! This was definitely personal and something different from your other fashion posts which I appreciate. I can relate to all of your tips as it is challenging for me in my relationship too but we always try to make it work. I also love your outfit!
Nataly says
I love this post! You all are so cute together.
Laura @ Walking in Memphis in says
Such a great post! It can be so hard to juggle your own businesses and your family!
Kelssey Layton says
So agree with all of these! Esp showing an interest in each others hobby. I know my husband doesn’t care THAT much about fashion but he is sweet enough to ask about what I am doing! ha!
Kelsey says
What a great idea for a post, I absolutely loved it!! Such great tips that I’m definitely going to keep in mind!!
xo Kelsey | http://www.chasingcinderellablog.com
Brandon says
I couldn’t be more proud to be your boyfriend. I love you so much this was an incredible post.
Jordan Chapman says
You two are so cute!! It’s great that you have someone to go back to at the end of the day and someone who truly supports you. I wish you two all the best!
Jordan xx
http://www.thehatlogic.com
Lexi Holzberg Kritzer says
Awesome post! My hubby and I are both big goal-getters and it works because we both really support each other. <3
Mariann Yip says
Awww I really love this post! This was definitely personal and something different from your other fashion posts which I appreciate. I can relate to all of your tips as it is challenging for me in my relationship too but we always try to make it work. I also love your outfit!
Nataly says
I love this post! You all are so cute together.
Laura @ Walking in Memphis in High Heels says
Such a great post! It can be so hard to juggle your own businesses and your family!
Jenna Colgrove says
So fun girl!! Love this and it’s so real!
Jenna from http://www.visionsofvogue.com
Kelssey Layton says
So agree with all of these! Esp showing an interest in each others hobby. I know my husband doesn’t care THAT much about fashion but he is sweet enough to ask about what I am doing! ha!
Candace says
Some of these tips sound familiar to me in my relationship as well! I find it’s important to encourage each other always, and to share interests. I may rather watch something else on tv, but often times I’ll just sit by him and enjoy what he’s watching. Sometimes just the company is always nice ๐
http://www.thebeautybeau.com/
Kelsey says
What a great idea for a post, I absolutely loved it!! Such great tips that I’m definitely going to keep in mind!!
xo Kelsey | http://www.chasingcinderellablog.com
Rachel says
I love this! Such a good read. I completely agree with you on all of this! And I really like your outfit. Super cute dress!
xoxo
Rachel
http://thetrendytomboy.com/
Lee Anne says
This is great, because it’s so true that what you see online isn’t always the case in your personal life. It’s awesome you’re looking at your relationship outside of social media. Love this!
XO
Lee Anne
http://www.lifebylee.com
Brandon says
I couldn’t be more proud to be your boyfriend. I love you so much this was an incredible post.
Lauren says
Aww you guys are too cute! I love how you are both involved in digital media and can help work together ๐ Glad you found ways to keep the fun in the relationship too- great advice!
Xx,
Lauren // http://www.mylifeaslaurr.com
Jordan Chapman says
You two are so cute!! It’s great that you have someone to go back to at the end of the day and someone who truly supports you. I wish you two all the best!
Jordan xx
http://www.thehatlogic.com
Lexi Holzberg Kritzer says
Awesome post! My hubby and I are both big goal-getters and it works because we both really support each other. <3
Bryanna says
can you guys get any cuter! OBSESSED with the matching black and white, but I love all the different patterns. From your dress, to his shoes and sweatshirt, such a well styled shoot! Also, let’s talk about these phone cases… so adorable! So incredibly happy for you two and you guys are #couplegoals!
xoxo Bryanna | Coming in Clutch
Candace says
Some of these tips sound familiar to me in my relationship as well! I find it’s important to encourage each other always, and to share interests. I may rather watch something else on tv, but often times I’ll just sit by him and enjoy what he’s watching. Sometimes just the company is always nice ๐
http://www.thebeautybeau.com/
Helena Primeira says
Cool and fun pics ๐
*XoXo
Helena Primeira
Helena Primeira Youtube
Primeira Panos
Yasmin says
This is such a great way to show off your new phone case! Love the tips on how to stay happy as a couple and how you tied it in with a couple shoot. Going with your fashion illustration was a great idea! It’s personal and blog related.
xx Yasmin
http://banglesandbungalows.com
Samantha Mariko says
All of these pointers are so important to maintain a healthy relationship! I don’t have a boyfriend at the moment but I hope to find someone that can put in the same effort to keep the relationship strong ๐ You two are so cute together btw!
http://www.samanthamariko.com
Helena Primeira says
Cool and fun pics ๐
*XoXo
Helena Primeira
Helena Primeira Youtube
Primeira Panos
Jami says
Such a cute post. Loving this dress, too!
Annie says
These are such great things to remember and to live by. Keeping work talk to a minimum is definitely important!
Jami says
Such a cute post. Loving this dress, too!
Camille says
This post made me smile!! I’ve never been in a relationship with anyone, but posts like this get me excited for the day that I am!
Nicole Leffew says
I love your cases! And these are such good couple goals! Showing the other person you care is #1 in my book!
Annie says
These are such great things to remember and to live by. Keeping work talk to a minimum is definitely important!
Morgan Klein says
First of all you guys are so cute!!! I love all of these fun pictures and I loved reading all of these tips. They are all sooo important and true!
Milan says
Haha those pictures of him “on the phone” are hilarious! Y’all are so cute together! I really love this post! I agree that investing into eachothers interests are so important. That was something my boyfriend and I definitely had to work on and it made a world of difference! Sometimes it’s the little things that make the world of difference.
Xo, Milan
MilanDarling.com
Camille says
This post made me smile!! I’ve never been in a relationship with anyone, but posts like this get me excited for the day that I am!
Christine Kong says
I love this post and it definitely comes at a good time. I think it’s so easy to overlook our significant others and think and hope their understand how busy we get but it’s so crucial to also invest in our relationships. I am inspired to remind myself and be mindful of my hubbie everyday. Thanks for sharing this post. Xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/
Milan says
Haha those pictures of him “on the phone” are hilarious! Y’all are so cute together! I really love this post! I agree that investing into eachothers interests are so important. That was something my boyfriend and I definitely had to work on and it made a world of difference! Sometimes it’s the little things that make the world of difference.
Xo, Milan
MilanDarling.com
Miki says
Great post. I agree with all of those points! Definitely a little harder to keep business talk to a minimum from time to time, but I try not to touch my phone when I’m spending quality time with my hubs. ๐ I love your phone cases – so cute!
Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
Sharon Wu says
Omg you two are seriously couple goals haha. My boyfriend and I often struggle with keeping business talk to a minimum since he is my full-time photographer but thank goodness we have other hobbies and our two reptilian children and one fur child! Phew haha ๐ xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/fashion/before-spring-flowers-bloom/
Atsuna Matsui says
OMG yesss this post totally resonated with me! I’m all about working on that grind but maintaining a great relationship with my boyfriend who’s been me one and only partner through it all. It’s all about balance and trust. ๐
http://www.atsunamatsui.com
Sharon Wu says
Omg you two are seriously couple goals haha. My boyfriend and I often struggle with keeping business talk to a minimum since he is my full-time photographer but thank goodness we have other hobbies and our two reptilian children and one fur child! Phew haha ๐ xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/fashion/before-spring-flowers-bloom/
Atsuna Matsui says
OMG yesss this post totally resonated with me! I’m all about working on that grind but maintaining a great relationship with my boyfriend who’s been me one and only partner through it all. It’s all about balance and trust. ๐
http://www.atsunamatsui.com
Deddeh Howard says
You guys are so cute!! What a great post and I love all the great tips girl. Wish you all the best guys.
marcy says
You guys are the cutest couple ever and definitely the definition of couple goals!!! Having a relationship now days is very hard specially finding someone that understand this new world of “blogging” or understand your work life. Brandon looks like supports you so much and so glad.
Love reading this post.
xoxo
Marcy
Laurelle says
That is so cool you both have a passion for social media! And I agree with your tips!! It’s so important to always say and show ‘I love you’, spend time together, and support and encourage each other! I think being forgiving and gracious is also something that has helped Ross and my relationship! And those cases are cute!!!
-Laurelle
http://www.bellebylaurelle.com
Iliana says
I love this post! The pictures are super adorable ๐ They literary radiate love ๐ I love your advice as well…wise words.
You look great as always ๐ I need a phone case like that! I’m dying ๐ฉ
Deddeh Howard says
You guys are so cute!! What a great post and I love all the great tips girl. Wish you all the best guys.
marcy says
You guys are the cutest couple ever and definitely the definition of couple goals!!! Having a relationship now days is very hard specially finding someone that understand this new world of “blogging” or understand your work life. Brandon looks like supports you so much and so glad.
Love reading this post.
xoxo
Marcy
yuka says
you guys really are couple goals! I love seeing his make an appearance on your blog!
http://www.prettyinleather.net
yuka says
you guys really are couple goals! I love seeing his make an appearance on your blog!
http://www.prettyinleather.net
Jo says
Awww you two are definitely #CoupleGoals! These photos of you two are so adorable. Love your dress!
xo, Jo
http://www.cutandchic.com
Jenn Hanft says
Aw this post was super sweet! It’s so amazing that you two are both working hard on your businesses but are super supportive of one another! I definitely agree that encouragement, love and interest is super important in making sure you don’t jeopardize your relationship’s happiness with your passion. Also keeping business talk to a minimum when spending time together is a must! Live in the moment and appreciate the time to bond ๐ You guys are super cute and LOOOOVE your cases hehe ๐
XO Jenn
http://www.jennsemble.com
Josie says
Omg!! You guys are just perfect together! and he’s such a great “actor” lool presenting so well to talk on the phone. I love everything you have mentioned and can definitely relate on so many points with my husband. we support each other so much, he’s my rock and my best support system.
Thanks for sharing these adorable pictures!
Bisous, Josie
http://www.petiteandbold.com
Jenn Hanft says
Aw this post was super sweet! It’s so amazing that you two are both working hard on your businesses but are super supportive of one another! I definitely agree that encouragement, love and interest is super important in making sure you don’t jeopardize your relationship’s happiness with your passion. Also keeping business talk to a minimum when spending time together is a must! Live in the moment and appreciate the time to bond ๐ You guys are super cute and LOOOOVE your cases hehe ๐
XO Jenn
http://www.jennsemble.com
Kayleigh says
This is such a cute post, and I love that dress!
http://www.kayleighskloset.com
Danielle says
Loved this post Steph! The one that resonated with me the most is showing an interest in each other’s interests! My husband and I never used to really make an effort to do this and sometimes felt like our passions weren’t a part of each other’s lives (which we’ve since learned is SO important). Like you said, investing in your partner is a must!
xx, Danielle | Pineapple & Prosecco
Bernice says
Definitely loved reading this! Loving, mature relationships can be quite hard to find and when we have that special someone it’s good to always try!
https://www.bunnybernice.com/single-post/2017/02/03/Our-Sixth-Anniversary
Thomas Falkenstedt says
Your relationship goes to prove that everything is possible. From someone being envious of #couplegoals you’re now one of those having first survived a long distance relationship and then actually converting it into one where you both live in the same city and are able to meet more frequently. That transition might not always work, but you made it work. I admire your relationship and the ways you guys show each other love ever so often!
With that said, you’re my #couplegoals right now and hopefully that significant other will show up in my life sometime soon!
xoxo
Thomas
http://thomasfalkenstedt.com
Thomas Falkenstedt says
Your relationship goes to prove that everything is possible. From someone being envious of #couplegoals you’re now one of those having first survived a long distance relationship and then actually converting it into one where you both live in the same city and are able to meet more frequently. That transition might not always work, but you made it work. I admire your relationship and the ways you guys show each other love ever so often!
With that said, you’re my #couplegoals right now and hopefully that significant other will show up in my life sometime soon!
xoxo
Thomas
http://thomasfalkenstedt.com
Bernice says
Definitely loved reading this! Loving, mature relationships can be quite hard to find and when we have that special someone it’s good to always try!
https://www.bunnybernice.com/single-post/2017/02/03/Our-Sixth-Anniversary
Danielle says
Loved this post Steph! The one that resonated with me the most is showing an interest in each other’s interests! My husband and I never used to really make an effort to do this and sometimes felt like our passions weren’t a part of each other’s lives (which we’ve since learned is SO important). Like you said, investing in your partner is a must!
xx, Danielle | Pineapple & Prosecco
Kayleigh says
This is such a cute post, and I love that dress!
http://www.kayleighskloset.com
Jo says
Awww you two are definitely #CoupleGoals! These photos of you two are so adorable. Love your dress!
xo, Jo
http://www.cutandchic.com
Josie says
Omg!! You guys are just perfect together! and he’s such a great “actor” lool presenting so well to talk on the phone. I love everything you have mentioned and can definitely relate on so many points with my husband. we support each other so much, he’s my rock and my best support system.
Thanks for sharing these adorable pictures!
Bisous, Josie
http://www.petiteandbold.com
Nicole Leffew says
I love your cases! And these are such good couple goals! Showing the other person you care is #1 in my book!
Lauren says
Aww you guys are too cute! I love how you are both involved in digital media and can help work together ๐ Glad you found ways to keep the fun in the relationship too- great advice!
Xx,
Lauren // http://www.mylifeaslaurr.com
Yasmin says
This is such a great way to show off your new phone case! Love the tips on how to stay happy as a couple and how you tied it in with a couple shoot. Going with your fashion illustration was a great idea! It’s personal and blog related.
xx Yasmin
http://banglesandbungalows.com