{"id":81660,"date":"2022-12-09T04:51:26","date_gmt":"2022-12-09T04:51:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=81660"},"modified":"2022-12-09T04:51:47","modified_gmt":"2022-12-09T04:51:47","slug":"lesbian-relationship-advice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/same-sex-marriage\/lesbian-relationship-advice\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Lesbian Relationship Advice to Make Sure Your Love Lasts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"Couple<\/p>\n

There is plenty of marriage and relationship advice on the Internet, but sometimes, this advice seems to be catered toward heterosexual couples. <\/span><\/p>\n

The reality is that dynamics can be different in same-sex relationships, so lesbian relationship advice may differ from what we see in our heteronormative culture. <\/span><\/p>\n

Lesbian relationships can benefit from most of the advice applicable to couples in general. But there are certain aspects that lesbian relationship advice might cover that are specific to living in society and families while being yourself authentically. <\/span><\/p>\n

Below, find lesbian relationship tips to keep your love alive. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>20 tips for lesbian relationships <\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

According to <\/span>data from the U.S. government<\/span><\/a>, there were about 980,000 same-sex couples in the country as of 2019, and 58% were married. While the voices of heterosexual couples are often represented in mainstream media, the reality is that same-sex couples are a significant portion of our population. <\/span><\/p>\n

The needs of same-sex couples are important, but lesbian relationship advice may differ slightly from the marriage and relationship tips we encounter in mainstream media. <\/span><\/p>\n

Same-sex female couples can face discrimination and other problems that should not be taken lightly. It’s also important to remember that lesbian relationships are incredibly diverse. <\/span><\/p>\n

Below are some pieces of lesbian relationship advice that take the unique needs of same-sex couples into consideration, while also recognizing that some lesbian relationship issues are no different from what is encountered in any relationship. <\/span><\/p>\n

1. Remember that love is love<\/b><\/h3>\n

Society has come a long way in moving toward equality, but the truth is that you may face negative comments or discrimination from family, friends, or even larger society. Remember that love is love, and you shouldn’t feel ashamed of your relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n

Research has demonstrated<\/span><\/a> that internalized homophobia occurs when same-sex couples hear stigmatized messages in society and then believe these messages to be true, which is linked to poor relationship satisfaction in same-sex relationships. <\/span><\/p>\n

So, key lesbian relationship advice is to make an effort to learn about internalized homophobia, so you can examine whether it’s playing a <\/span>role in your relationship<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

2. Surround yourself with allies<\/b><\/h3>\n

Sometimes, negative attitudes from others can seep into your relationship and do damage. Instead of surrounding yourself with these attitudes, find allies who strengthen your relationship. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"Woman<\/p>\n

So, this lesbian relationship advice can mean immersing yourself in the LGBTQ+ community and fostering connections with allies in the straight community. <\/span><\/p>\n

When surrounded by people who <\/span>support your relationship<\/span><\/a>, you’ll be less likely to be negatively affected by stigmatized views that filter into your relationship. <\/span><\/p>\n

3. Communicate your needs<\/b><\/h3>\n

A key piece of advice that applies to all relationships, specifically same-sex relationships, is that communication is key. <\/span><\/p>\n

You may not run into heterosexual relationship issues, such as insecurity over your husband flirting with a woman at work, but that doesn’t mean you won’t ever have problems. <\/span><\/p>\n

Communicate about your needs, as well as things that are bothering you. It will help your relationship to grow.<\/span><\/p>\n

Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> How to Communicate Your Needs in a Relationship?<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n
4. Validate your partner’s feelings<\/b><\/h3>\n
High levels of emotional support <\/span>have been identified <\/span><\/a>as a strength in lesbian relationships. <\/span><\/p>\n
Make the most of this lesbian relationship advice by being intentional about validating your partner’s feelings. Sometimes emotions will run strong, so it’s important to be prepared to validate your partner’s feelings rather than trying to talk her out of it. <\/span><\/p>\n
5. Appreciate diversity<\/b><\/h3>\n
You may have this image of what it means to be a lesbian woman. This image can sometimes include believing that you must only date other women. <\/span><\/p>\n
Open yourself up to the fact that lesbian relationships can be diverse. This may mean that you find yourself attracted to bisexual women or people who identify as transgender. <\/span><\/p>\n
6. Stop comparing<\/b><\/h3>\n
You might also have preconceived notions about how lesbian relationships work, but your relationship will be unique. <\/span><\/p>\n
Certainly, some characteristics tend to define most lesbian relationships, but there is great variation among different couples. <\/span><\/p>\n
Allow your relationship to play out however you and your partner see fit and stop comparing yourself to other couples. Treat this as key lesbian dating advice. <\/span><\/p>\n
Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> 10 Reasons You Should Never Compare Relationships or Your Partner<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n
7. Maintain separate interests<\/b><\/h3>\n
If you’re in a new lesbian relationship, you may fall into the trap of letting your relationship consume you. While you certainly have reason to be excited about starting a relationship, it’s also important to maintain your separate interests. <\/span><\/p>\n
This isn’t always the case, but sometimes, because of stereotyping, people begin to view people with same-sex attraction only in terms of their sexual orientation. <\/span><\/p>\n
If you begin to view yourself the same way, you can fall into the trap of defining yourself only based on your relationship while letting other interests fall by the wayside. <\/span><\/p>\n
8. Be intentional about flirting<\/b><\/h3>\n
Lesbian sex and relationships can be complicated because of some beliefs about women and sex. This may not always be true, but sometimes, women are taught to repress their sexuality or to avoid initiating sex. <\/span><\/p>\n
In a lesbian marriage, this can mean that both partners are reluctant to initiate. You can enhance the <\/span>intimacy in your relationship<\/span><\/a> by putting effort into flirting. Tell your partner when she looks hot, or spice things up with new lingerie to set a flirty mood. <\/span><\/p>\n
See this video for more lesbian relationship advice about sex:<\/span><\/p>\n