Many people want to live happily ever after kind of ending. The first logical step towards that goal is to have a long-lasting relationship. This kind of relationship has been elusive for some. They are often questioning themselves and where they have gone wrong. They even go so far in believing that they are never good enough.
If you are one of these people, do not worry. There is still hope for your ideal happily ever after.
Having a fruitful long-lasting relationship rests on several key ingredients, as listed below.
- Maintain Open Communication
Open communication is fundamental in any relationship. Having an open discussion does not only mean telling the critical stuff to your partner. Open communication also means that you are free to discuss relevant issues in your relationship anytime. Open and constant communication can ensure the longevity of your relationship. Note that “Couples’ expectations about what marriage should be like are completely off from the reality of what marriage is actually like” a reminder from Dr. Chantal Gagnon PhD LMHC.
Another essential factor in communication is to listen well. Communication is a two-way street. To have a fruitful discussion, each party should be willing to listen when the other is talking actively.
- Be Faithful
“Cheating in a marriage or other committed relationship is so destructive that about 50% of the time the couple breaks up.” Dave Stacho LMHC said. Serious relationships require serious commitment. Therefore, to have a successful long-term relationship, you should remain faithful at all times. No questions asked.
Cheating usually starts with simple interactions and chat messages. These clandestine messages and interactions are appealing to many because they are done in secret. If you let your partner go on with these interactions, the desire to continue communicating with the other party disappears.
Letting your partner know about these chat messages and interactions can build trust in the relationship. Trust is the foundation of any romantic relationship.
- Compromise
Compromises are necessary for relationships. However, its meaning can vary in every relationship.
Compromise means that you and your partner have to meet halfway in stalemates. These stalemates should be qualified, however. Some things cannot be compromised, including religious beliefs and personal boundaries.
For example, your partner might be asking you to change your personality to accommodate his/ her needs. Decide if the change is really needed or if your partner is already crossing the line. It all boils down to healthy discussion and knowledge of personal boundaries.
If you and your partner both cannot agree on a single solution, the best way is to talk it out. If talking is not possible, you can ask a counselor to mediate between the two of you through couples or marriage counseling.
- Be Willing To Accept Change
This key might be an unpopular opinion for some. However, if you want your relationship to succeed, you must be willing to change your attitude. Nobody is perfect. Being stubborn in your approach can affect your relationship negatively. In a relationship, both parties must be willing to receive constructive criticism and learn from it. “We can’t change the toxic people into non-toxic people, but we can work on being less reactive,” says Marie Manly, PhD.
- Establish Your Traditions
Couples in long-term relationships often create their own relationship traditions. These could be in the form of celebrations for relationship milestones or as simple as regularly greeting each other goodnight. These traditions are special because they are one-of-a-kind and they only make sense for both of you.
Any relationship takes work. It holds true especially for those people who want to have a long-term relationship. A couple must be able to maintain healthy and open communication, remain faithful to one another, compromise, accept changes, and establish their relationship’s traditions.