Build Lasting Relationships

For those who are in committed relationships, it's important to take steps to ensure the longevity of your love. Usually, you only need to do very simple things to make your relationship work.

It's very important that you and your partner spend a lot of quality time together. Modern life can be very stressful and full of work, but even an hour or two of talking before going to bed can do wonders for your relationship. Most of the couples who have been together for more than 10 years owe their relationship's longevity to the fact that they make time for each other. Make a date at least once a month. It doesn't have to be in an expensive restaurant, it can be as simple as a home-cooked meal in your backyard.

Allow yourselves to build a real partnership. This means that there should be equal amounts of giving and taking for both of you. Compromises will have to be made, and one person shouldn't be "in control" of the relationship. At the same time, both of you should also have lives and activities outside the relationship, whether it's with friends, co-workers, or your extended family.

Smile at each other. Even the simple act of smiling can completely change your moods. It's something that's really needed at the end of a rough, stressful day, or even after a fight. A genuine, heartfelt smile reassures your lover of your feelings of love, respect, and appreciation.

Make sure that you have a satisfying sex life. If ever your sex life becomes dull or lacks passion, make an effort to work it out. Show your partner how to fulfill you sexually, and encourage him or her to do the same. Don't just accept having an unsatisfactory sex life - sex is a very important aspect of your relationship.

Learn how to appreciate each other. Whenever your partner is making an effort to listen to you or to show you how important you are, make sure that you show him or her how much you appreciate this. Whether you do it verbally or though your actions, showing appreciation will encourage your partner. This kind of encouragement is necessary, because it validates his or her importance in the relationship.

Don't punish each other. If your partner did something to hurt you, don't give him or her a hard time. This will only further aggravate the situation. If your partner really hurt you, especially if it's unintentional, get straight to the point and talk about it. Don't punish your lover and make him or her figure out what they did wrong. This will lead to more misunderstandings and miscommunication.

Accept the fact that some things never change and that some things do. People are very dynamic. Their personalities change a lot, and even their opinions and beliefs have the tendency to make complete turns. Be aware of the fact that some things about your partner will never change, and that some things will. Keep this in mind and learn to love your partner for who he or she is.