Being in a relationship comes with a lot of challenges, and there will be times when you think calling it quits might be the answer. However, sometimes sticking it out is worth it. Long-term relationships are hard but they are also wonderful.
If you are in a long-term relationship or hope to make your relationship a long term one the list below will be important to you. These are 20 of the most helpful tips I have come across for long-term couples. Please, take them to heart.
1. Be generous without expectations.
Be good to your partner without expecting something in return. Let your partner know that you are willing to do things for them without demanding something in return. You both should make small caring gestures for one another.
2. See your partner as your equal.
No one is better than anyone else. You should not be mooching off of your partner and your partner should not be mooching off of you. You should both be putting equal efforts into the relationship. Give just as much as you receive.
3. Remember that not all arguments are worth having.
Pick your fights. Sure, arguments happen but not all of them are worth having in the first place. If you can avoid a pointless argument then avoid it.
4. Don’t spend all your time together.
Being apart is healthy in a relationship. You don’t want to get sick of each other. Having a life outside of your relationship is perfectly normal.
5. Talk to one another.
Make sure you maintain open lines of communication. Make sure your partner knows they can come to you to talk about anything when they need to.
6. Don’t go to sleep mad at each other.
Fix any issues you may have before going to sleep. This is very important. Talk things out and compromise. Make an effort to stay on good terms with one another.
7. Don’t be afraid to have necessary fights.
When you need to argue over something make sure it happens. Don’t ignore a big issue until it gets to the point of no return. With that being said, when you do argue, make sure to hear each other out and assess both sides.
8. Don’t take each other for granted.
Value your partner and make sure they know that you value them. Let them know how important they are to you as you are to them.
9. Don’t neglect your individual lives for sake of the relationship.
Chase your dreams. Just because you are in a relationship does not mean you should give up on your goals.
10. Be there for each other.
Be there for your partner when they need you. Love and support them through whatever life throws your way.
11. Accept that there will be some things you do not agree on.
Sometimes you will just have to agree to disagree and there is nothing wrong with that.
12. Make compromises.
Always be willing to make things equal. Compromising is very important in relationships.
13. Don’t be afraid to apologize.
Be mature and let your partner know when you are sorry. We all make mistakes and owning up to them is crucial when it comes to making a relationship last.
14. Be accountable for your actions.
When you mess up don’t make excuses for yourself. Take responsibility for your actions.
15. Laugh together.
Be happy and keep things light. Laugh as often as you can with your partner. Share the good times.
16. Do not belittle one another.
Don’t tear your partner down, build your partner up. You should always be pushing each other to be better people. Accept their best and don’t ever make it sound like it isn’t enough.
17. Respect your partner.
Pay attention to their boundaries and don’t force them into anything that might make them uncomfortable. Be open with your partner and respect each other.
18. Always be honest.
Do your best to never lie. A relationship built on lies will never get anywhere. Be honest with each other from beginning to end.
19. Make sure you are both wanting the same or similar things in life.
Make sure you two are both headed in the same direction. If you never want to move and your partner is pursuing a dream job that will involve you all traveling or moving one or more times, you may not want to continue things. Just talk things through and make sure you are both okay with what the other wants in life.
20. Show your partner affection even after you have been together for awhile.
Keep the flames of love burning. Make small affectionate gestures to show your partner you are still swept off your feet. This is actually one of the easiest things on this list.
Take care of your partner and let your partner take care of you. Maintaining a long-term relationship is amazing and will make you feel very fulfilled. Don’t be afraid of it, embrace it.