The start of a relationship is always very exciting. Both people are drawn to each other, begin to discover more about each other, and see the relationship evolve. In a new relationship, everything is new and exciting.
But when the relationship matures, the difficulties begin to appear. Obviously, there are always new and exciting things, but they are much rarer. It is easier to take the partner for granted after a certain phase.
Building and sustaining a long-term relationship takes work, but it’s also very rewarding. Watching each other grow up, start a family, buy a house, and share their life with someone else is wonderful.
HERE ARE 8 SIMPLE RULES THAT WILL HELP YOU MAKE A RELATIONSHIP LAST:
1. DEFINE A COMMON DREAM FOR YOUR LIFE
When it comes to paying bills, cleaning the house, working long hours, and taking on other responsibilities, it’s easy to lose sight of the most important and enduring reasons for being together.
The most beneficial time to define a common dream is at the start of a marriage, partnership, etc. It establishes a solid foundation on which to build your life together, and by doing so you will have a better chance of seeing your dream come true.
2. KEEP A PHYSICAL CONNECTION
In a long-term relationship, physical intimacy (in any form) is much more than physical. Maintaining a good emotional connection is essential. It is also important to rekindle passion and get closer if you move away.
As with most parts of a relationship, it’s easy to initiate this physical connection early on. It’s harder with work, finances, kids, home, physical changes, and anything that makes intimacy more difficult.
Prioritizing intimacy with your partner is a great way to keep the passion going . The stress that comes with work, finances, and family will only be a minor obstacle as you continue to rediscover your physical attraction to each other.
3. COMMUNICATE OPENLY
You’ve probably heard that communication is important in a relationship.
But think about this for a moment: Communication is the common denominator of everything in a relationship. It can be at the beginning, middle, or end of a relationship. It can be found everywhere, whether it’s buying a car or a house, expressing your emotions, wanting children, forgetting to pay the bill, taking out the trash … you must always be able to communicate effectively.
Communication is also an essential element of mutual understanding. You might think you already know your partner, but do you know their day? Do you know if he is overwhelmed if he feels sick, misunderstood, or what he may be thinking or feeling? Open communication is the only way to maintain balance while moving forward in a relationship.
4. EMPHASIZE THE POSITIVE
It is important to show your appreciation for the other person. Emphasizing the positive is relatively easy at first compared to a 10, 20, or 30-year marriage. It’s also a lot easier to do when things are going well. It is always very important to tell the other things that you like about them.
5. ANTICIPATE CHANGE
Research has found that your partner will somehow change every 7-8 years. The change may be drastic or small, but you should expect to see some kind of difference in the person’s mind or body.
Personal change is a natural process in life, it is important to assess where you are at and let your partner know what you need. If you do not communicate this change, problems often arise.
6. LEARN TO MAKE COMPROMISES
Two different people sometimes have two different points of view. This is most evident when you make a decision, whether large or small. Sometimes both people agree and sometimes not. When there is a disagreement, don’t let it become a full-blown argument. Rather calmly and rationally discuss it.
For the smallest decisions, it is enough to take turns and make up your mind. If you have chosen the place for dinner, let your partner choose which movie you are going to see.
7. EXCUSE YOURSELF WHEN YOU ARE WRONG
We all make mistakes in a relationship, but part of the relationship is admitting those mistakes. If you made a mistake, just apologize to your partner.
But it’s not enough to mumble “I’m sorry…” when your partner walks away. Sincerity and eye contact are important parts of an apology. Let go of your pride and express your apologies with meaning.
Also learn to accept the other’s apologies. Stubbornness can be present on the receiver’s side. So if your partner is sincerely sorry, sincerely accept the words and move on.
8. DON’T GIVE UP
Resilience is important in making a relationship last. Make a commitment to each other to do what you can to overcome difficult times.
No relationship is perfect, there will always be trials. A long term relationship is great, but it’s far from easy, it takes effort and willpower.
