Dating for same-sex couples can often be challenging. While the world has been making many progressive strides forward in regard to the acceptance of LGBT relationships, it is still a relatively new development. For most of human history, gay and lesbian couples had to keep their connections hidden from families, friends, and the public at large. This has created a number of interesting obstacles when it comes to developing and keeping a healthy relationship. Though statistics show same-sex couples might struggle more in some ways, a little advice can make a world of difference.

Getting a Late Start

There are a number of reasons why LGBT couples tend to feel more uncertain about basic relationship tasks. For most heterosexuals, “dating” begins in middle school. While it might be childish and ill-defined, straight adolescents are exploring what it means to date and learning through trial and error. Since gay youths often feel like they need to keep their identities hidden at this age, most LGBT students do not have the opportunity to date and feel comfortable about it until they are in college many years later.

Learning to Keep a Healthy Relationship

When your first real relationship does not take place until you are almost 20 years old, it means you are not fully aware of the ups and downs romantic affairs can bring. The first bit of advice to keep in mind is that a relationship is always a learning process. In some cases, partners will to struggle to understand the ins and outs of making things work. You might feel “behind” in some ways when compared to heterosexual pairings, but it is never too late to start figuring out the best way to handle someone else’s heart. 

Get With the Friends

Dating one person means you are actually dating everyone this person knows. From family members to friends, personal lives tend to collide hard when a new relationship is forged. Unfortunately, you are not always going to get along well with the confidants of your significant other. While it is wise to make the attempt at first, you also need to accept you will not be able to please everyone. Simply do your best to get along and try not to overstep or make any waves too early in your relationship.

Public Concerns

For LGBT couples, there is also the unique problem of showing affection in public. For most heterosexual couples, holding hands and being warm to each other in public settings is par for the course. For gay and lesbian couples, it is a very different experience. Most LGBT couples state they are more reserved in public out of fear a stranger will become aggressive or make rude and threatening comments. While you might want to proudly display your relationship status, you also may feel afraid to put that information into the world.

Making a relationship work is all about keeping conversation going with your partner. You might feel fine holding hands in public, but your significant other could feel very uncomfortable about doing so. Get on the same page and work it out so both of you can feel safe at all times when you’re together. 

Conversation Is Crucial

Finally, the best way to keep your relationship healthy at all times is by keeping conversation a cornerstone of your partnership. Many relationships, both straight and gay, are ruined by a failure to converse at crucial moments. If you make the assumption you’re in an open relationship and your significant other is not aware of this, then you might easily make a mistake that ruins the bond you share. Be open and honest at all times and never make any drastic assumptions about your relationship to avoid serious errors. 

Making a relationship work involves a lot of trial and error. As long as your intention is to strengthen your connection, it will be a lot easier to understand what works best for you.