If you have the perfect partner, great! If you are like the rest of us, there may be some minor obstacles to be overcome in your relationship. So what makes a relationship last? Because for most people, there will be a little bit of drama here and there, some “rough spots” to work through and sacrifices to be made. So what are the signs your relationship will last? Let’s look at creating your own “happily ever after”, with 10 ways to make that happen!
#10— List All the Good Things in Your Relationship
- No relationship will ever be perfect. Try to stay positive about any imperfections, and you’ll be more prone to see the good side of your relationship.
- Focus on all the things beneficial your relationship brings.
- Make a list of the wonderful qualities of your partner and how he or she makes your life better. Don’t forget to tell them too!
- So that they are always at the forefront of your mind, place that list somewhere private that you can refer to every day for a reminder. Give gratitude and build a lasting relation
#9— Focus on the Lessons Life Wants You to Learn
- Everything you go through in life is a learning experience ¾ particularly the difficult or unpleasant stuff!
- During rough patches with your spouse or partner, focus on what you can learn from it.
- If a problem arises, ask yourself, “What’s my part in this? Can I speak to my partner openly to communicate my thoughts? If they don’t respond, can I try a different approach? How can I learn from this situation?”
#8— Make Sure Life Goes On Outside of the Relationship
- Your partner may be the main focus of your life, but it shouldn’t be everything.
- Try to keep a perspective about your relationship, in a similar fashion to how you would treat your career.
- You have your own identity, so don’t let it get taken over by your relationship.
- Maintain a strong sense of self by continuing on with your social life, hobbies, exercise, and personal development.
#7— Keep Your Social Network Strong
- Don’t forget about your friends! Your relationship may be great but don’t disappear from your social life.
- If, heaven forbid, the relationship ends, you want to make sure your friendships are still there for you.
- Make sure your social life gets brought into your relationship. It will enhance your satisfaction inside and outside of the relationship.
#6— Maintain a Strong Identity
- What matters to most to you? Focus on your true self and things you are passionate about.
- Keep the things in your relationship that means the most to you.
- If you give up your favorite activities this may backfire and cause you to resent your partner later. So don’t stop doing the things you love just because your partner likes doing something else.
#5— Keep Improving Yourself
- You’re always changing and evolving, so accept this and embrace it.
- Repeat this affirmation: “Everything that has happened, or is happening, or will happen, is totally within my control, and I love every minute of it.”
#4— Compromise on the Insignificant Things
- If things are really important to you, stick to your guns and don’t compromise, but if it’s not important, let it go.
- What can you give up that bugs your partner, but is not so important to you?
#3— Both Express Gratitude Each Other
- Just saying “I love you” to your partner and hearing it back isn’t enough. Put some thought and love into it when you say it!
- Commit to doing this every single day, and ask your partner to do the same.
- Studies show that gratitude has both immediate and lasting effects on a successful romantic relationship.
- Gratitude is the quickest way to make you feel valued.
#2— Self-Care Should Be a Priority
- Love yourself first, and then your partner.
- Start each morning in the way that you know suits you best – maybe with some sort of exercise, wholesome breakfast, a few moments of meditation or reflection and doing something you enjoy (reading the paper, watching the news on TV, etc.).
#1— Don’t Sacrifice Your Own Hobbies for Your Partner’s
- Keep doing the things you enjoy most.
- Don’t mold your partner’s interests and lose your sense of self.
Nurture and Cherish Your Relationship
It’s common to lose your sense of self in a relationship over a period of time. What’s doesn’t always happen though is finding the courage to get it back. Don’t let it wither and die, simply by following these points on how to have a long-lasting relationship.
