Here’s what Victoria Beckham learned from 26 years of marriage to David: ‘If you haven’t changed, there is a problem right there’ “If you are getting married to someone later on in life, you would want to ask those questions,” Victoria Beckham added.

Victoria and David Beckham are the epitome of couple goals to the internet. The former Spice Girls member, and the English football player tied the knot 26 years ago, and Victoria’s latest documentary on Netflix gives us a fun peek into their relationship. In conversation with Netflix during the promotions, Victoria opened up about her marriage with David, talking about the importance of growing together as partners and individuals.

“I first met him when I was 22, he was 21. I was pregnant with Brooklyn at 24, and we got married at 25. We were kids. And we have grown together. When you get married young, you don’t ask, ‘How many children do you want? Where do you want to live? Where do you see yourself in 20, 30, 40 years of time? If you are getting married to someone later on in life, you would want to ask those questions,” she told the interviewer.

Talking about the evolution of her dynamic with David, Victoria further added: “I’m so thankful and grateful that we have grown and evolved together, which I think is rare. If you have been with someone for 26 years, and you haven’t changed, there is a problem right there.”

Growth is an integral part of any relationship, and progress happens at a faster pace when mistakes aren’t covered up or disregarded, but are actively worked on, says Rima Bhandekar, senior psychologist at Mpower, Mental Helath Helpline, Aditya Birla Education Trust.

Criticism, instead of becoming upsetting, becomes a change plan. According to Bhandekar, a relationship based on mutual growth can benefit you in multiple ways. Here’s how you can adopt a growth mindset in a relationship: 1. Be accepting of your partner’s personality
Take a moment to think about all the parts of yourself that you have gotten to know and learnt to accept through your journey of self-knowledge and figuring out what your likes, dislikes and all that encompasses your authentic self are. Real and positive relationships will allow a safe space for your vulnerabilities, provide comfort when life stresses you out, and offer insight into the world, which will help you grow together as a formidable team. They will understand who you are better than anyone else; know what makes you happy because you trust them enough to talk openly about your feelings.

2. Be comfortable enough to be yourself
Whether your partner comes over for a movie night or insists on accompanying you for shopping, people who are excited to spend time with you, will do everything they can to be near you as often as possible. This provides you with the platform to be exactly who you are because they accept you and this will only strengthen your ability to reveal yourself without feeling any shame or guilt. The more you make yourself a priority to have the courage to reveal who you really are, the more accepting people in your life will be to embrace your authentic and unapologetic self.

3. Be with someone who respects your boundaries
Someone who is truly good for you will support and respect your individuality, even if that means they have to take a step back. They will respect your boundaries and empower you to display your best potential. These people often understand that space and distance may be necessary for you to flourish and will never make you feel guilty for that. People who are good for you have the potential to evolve you to your next level of authenticity. They have qualities that align with what you desire in all aspects of life, but it starts with self-knowledge which leads to more self-love.