Your relationship takes an important step! If you want it to last, listen to these tips on long-term relationships.
Just because you’re on good terms doesn’t mean the relationship will work. In fact, it takes a lot more than chemistry to maintain a relationship. I’ll give you the essential advice on long-term relationships that will help you get there.
The 14 essential tips to know about long-term relationships
Relationships, whether new or long-term, are not easy. Humans are difficult. We love things our way. We want everything to go well, but we want to do as little work as possible at the same time. But that’s the thing, relationships are work.
If you are in a long-term relationship, you already know the compromises you made when you did not want to. But that’s what a relationship is based on, two people who compromise their happiness for someone else, and who rejoice in the fact that they compromise for the happiness of their lover. I know, it doesn’t sound so glamorous when I say it like that, but that’s what it is.
But this should not be taken in a negative way. Relationships have so many advantages that when we are single, we miss being in a relationship. Of course, since you are here, you are probably already in a relationship and you are looking to make it last. It’s not easy, but you can do it.
# 1 Have your own space.
Whether it is a new or long term relationship, this applies to anyone who is not single. You need to have your own personal time. If you live together, give yourself time to do things you love without your partner. Hang out with your friends, exercise read a book. Do things by yourself without the other to keep your independence.
# 2 Choose your battles.
If you’ve been together for a while, you’re aware of the flaws that you both have. The more time you spend with someone, the more information you have to use against them in a fight which is bad.
Instead of going over all the arguments that come to mind, take the time to think about whether or not it’s really worth fighting for.
# 3 Keep communicating.
Seriously, we tend to stop communicating because we think we know our partners well. But just because you’ve been together for a few years doesn’t mean you know each other. You must maintain the level of communication with your partner. No matter how long you have been together, he cannot read your mind and vice versa.
# 4 Get out.
Sure, you’ve been together for a while, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be dating. Romantic evenings are easy, but of all the advice on long-term relationships people should focus on, it’s the first thing you forget almost all the time. Don’t be lazy. Going out is a great way to spend quality time together and maybe try new things. Go see a new movie, try a new restaurant, visit an art gallery, the possibilities are endless.
# 5 Don’t have expectations.
If you give your partner a compliment or surprise him with a gift, expect nothing in return. Being in a relationship has nothing to do with giving to gain something you give because it makes you feel good and you love your partner. It will show them your gratitude, and he will be happier in this relationship.
# 6 You are not his problem solver.
Here’s the thing, when you’ve been with someone for so long, you tend to see their problems as ours. And of course, his problems affect us in one way or another but don’t be the person who takes care of his problems. He has to fight his battles, all you can do is be with him. If you become his problem solver, you stop being his partner.
# 7 Argue smartly.
You are not trying to fight your partner, you are trying to find a solution to the problem. You’re going to argue, and you’ve probably already done it, but you have to do it smartly. Shouting and speaking degradingly does not solve the problem. Being honest and talking to your partner will solve most of your problems.
# 8 Respect your limits.
Everyone has limits and you’ve been with your partner long enough to know where their limits are. Of course, the limit can sometimes blur, and we cross the line, but to avoid it, communication is necessary. If you know the boundaries well, work actively to recognize where they are.
# 9 Have your own goals.
It is crucial. Yes, you are in a relationship, but at the same time, you are also your own person. If you want to be the best person you can be in your relationship, then you need to create your own goals that make your dreams and ambitions come true. Working on yourself will make you a better person in your relationship.
# 10 You are going to have to compromise.
Nobody likes to compromise. I mean, making a compromise is that two people are half happy for each other. There are two people who are looking to meet their needs. Of course, you both have different needs, but compromise is the key to a lasting relationship.
# 11 Your partner will change.
Or maybe not. But it is important not to be surprised if you see that it has changed over the years. People change and grow. It is not something negative, but it is something that you will have to adapt to. The key is to allow your partner to go through this phase of their life because you too can have or will experience the same thing.
# 12 Intimacy will change.
You may remember the intimacy you had when you were dating at first, compared to now. Physical intimacy will changes. This does not mean that he loves you less, but simply that you are in a different phase of the relationship. There will be times when it is exciting and others when it is less exciting. Privacy is not static.
# 13 Laugh together.
This is crucial for a long term relationship. You have to make sure that you and your partner can laugh together. Laughing well can be even more intimate than physical intimacy. Share memories, relax and laugh together.
# 14 Trust your partner.
In the end, all of this advice on long-term relationships will be useless if you don’t trust your partner. If you don’t trust him, you won’t be able to actually use these tips in an authentic way. If you want to build trust, become open and vulnerable to it.
Now that you know the tips for long-term relationships, it’s time to incorporate them into your relationship. If you want your relationship to last, work on it.
