He's a Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter whose collabed with some of the biggest artists in music. That we all know. What so few do: Miguel also knows the secret to a long-lasting relationship. For this week's Friday Sessions on Men's Health's Instagram, Drew Ramsey, M.D., spoke with the 35-year-old singer about what makes a partnership so successful. (Miguel's been in a relationship with model Nazanin Mandi Pimental for 16 years and married for roughly three.)
While talking from his home gym, the musician said what's helped his relationship was having similar goals from the start, whether that's marriage, kids, or another goal. "You gotta really be clear about what's gonna work for you."
Second, a relationship can only be successful when you're focused on your well-being, too. Sounds counterintuitive, but Miguel emphasized how that's benefitted his marriage. "The focus being on being as fulfilled personally leads to so much fulfillment as a unit," he said. "You know like a chef, starting with bad ingredients, he's gonna have a really hard time coming up with something satisfying."
The final step is a no-brainer: communication. For him, part of that entails simply finding the best environment to talk. "What helps us the most is activities like hiking. Because it's physical, it's a little less subjective. You're moving and your mind is also clear. You're kind of in a place where you're with the earth. You can get the right surroundings, it kind of opens up really good conversations."
And when all else fails, simple affirmations go a long way. "Making sure my wife feels safe and protected does more for our relationship than anything," Miguel said. "The more I reinforce and reassure her in my actions in my being, the more I do that, the peace and happiness in my life is leaps and bounds what I thought was possible."
To hear more about Miguel's creative process and how he focuses on his mental health, check out the Instagram Live below:
