Keeping a relationship going for a long time is about so much more than just being compatible. At some point, conflicts will arise and you will have to make a decision between working through it or calling it a day. If you want to know how long term couples keep the flame of passion alive, read on to discover the 10 secrets of couples who stay together forever.
1. Work through conflict
It would be unfair to say that couples who have been together for a long time don’t argue. They do, but they just have a better way of dealing with it. Not all fights have to be a deal breaker. You can work through most conflicts if you are willing to let the dust settle and then talk it through.
2. Be willing to compromise
Just because you are compatible, it doesn’t mean that you will agree on everything. If you want your relationship to last, you need to be willing to compromise. Compromises might be big or they might be really small. Either way, you need to be willing to give a little to find some common ground.
3. Respect your partner
Your relationship won’t last if you don’t have a significant amount of respect for your partner. This means you defend them if your friends or family have an issue. You also have to respect their choices in life, including their choice of career. While pushing your partner to go for a promotion might be beneficial to you, if it’s not something they are interested in, don’t force it.
4. Accept the obligations
There are some things you can’t get out of. When you’re in a relationship, you might be expected to spend the holidays with their family, or go to work functions you’d rather avoid. Being in a relationship means that you might sometimes have to do things you’d rather not, but it also means that you get to ask them to return the favour every now and then.
5. Celebrate the everyday
Life isn’t always fireworks and sunsets. The everyday can be pretty mundane, but you need to find a way to make this special. Small thoughtful gifts, just because or little notes left on the mirror can life a dull day. Start and end every day with a kiss when your partner is near.
6. Make time for each other
It’s great when your partner respects your time and lets you do your thing, but at some point, you need to make the effort to protect your time together. If you keep cancelling plans, you might soon discover that you are living with a housemate rather than a partner. Make time for date night every now and then, no matter how busy your lives get.
7. Explore new things
Experiencing new things together is one of the best things you can do to keep a relationship alive. Push yourself out of your comfort zone to discover new things. It could be travelling to a new place, or exploring new territory in the bedroom. Pick up a new couple friendly sex toy from Pleasure Delights and discover a new side of your partner.
8. Be spontaneous
If you find yourself stuck in a rut, it’s time to break the routine. Book a spontaneous weekend away to blow out the cobwebs. Spontaneity will serve you well and remind your partner that even boring everyday things like food shopping can be fun. Keep things unexpected so that you don’t fall into a routine which cannot be broken.
9. Make your love unconditional
It seems like such a simple step, but you need to make sure your love is completely unconditional. This means that no matter how big the argument, or how huge the disagreement, you still love your partner through thick and thin. Remind yourself every day that you love each other unconditionally and your relationship will stand the test of time.
10. Communicate
Communication is about more than just getting your thoughts across. You also need to be willing to actively listen to the other person. Communicating when you are frustrated or angry can be difficult, so it’s important not to hold grudges for things said in the heat of the moment. Once your partner has apologised, you have to be willing to let it go and move on or you risk holding on to resentment.
