1. Mind your manners. "Please," "thank you" and "you're welcome," can go a long way in helping your partner remember that you respect and love him and don't take him for granted.
2. Variety is the spice of life. Studies have shown that dullness can lead to dissatisfaction with a relationship. Trying something new can be as simple as visiting an unfamiliar restaurant or as grand as a backpacking trip through Sri Lanka. Discoveries you make together will keep you feeling close. Video Advice: My Wife Won't Tell Me Her Fantasies
3. The couple that plays together, stays together. Find a sport or hobby that you both love (no, watching TV does not count) and make that a priority in your relationship. Camping, biking, building model trains... whatever it is, find something you enjoy doing together.
4. Fight right. In order to have productive arguments, keep these rules in mind. Don't call your spouse names. When things get really tough, take a break from the argument. Let the other person finish his/her sentences. Don't initiate a discussion when you're angry. 9 Things To Say During A Fight
5. I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine. No one likes demands, but everyone can appreciate a compromise. If you want your lover to do something and you're not sure he'll be agreeable, the quickest way to avoid a confrontation is to sweeten the deal. For example: "Sure, I'll watch Monday Night Football if you take me to see the next movie of my choice."
6. Two heads are better than one. Being in a
relationship basically means you've made a merger; you've
not only joined assets but inherited the other's problems as
well. Rather than looking at his problems as merely his own, tackle
them together. For example, if he's gaining weight, rather than
pushing him to diet on his own, enroll in an exercise program
together. Fun And Free: The Exercise Date
7. Distance makes the heart grow fonder. Maintain
your own friendships and occasionally have a night out without your
significant other. Doing things without your s.o. not only makes
you miss him or her, it also keeps you sane. And, in case the
relationship doesn't work out, you'll still have your
friends.
8. Sound it out. It other words: communicate!
Talking out the tough subjects—money, religion, fidelity, raising
kids—will not be the most fun you've had, but it'll be
valuable.
9. Laughter is the best medicine. Learn to laugh
at yourself and at silly mistakes. If he throws your $300 cashmere
sweater in the dryer, laughing it off is, in the long run, better
than getting angry. It's is just a $300 cashmere sweater, not
the end of the world.
10. Keep your eyes on the prize. Yes, he forgot
your co-worker's name for the tenth time, but it probably
doesn't mean he doesn't care about you. If you keep your
perspective fixed on the goal—to be in a happy, functioning
partnership—you're less likely to get tangled up in every minor
annoyance. Remember, you both want the same thing. Seven Ways To Stay Happy (All Year Long)
11. Quitters never win. Find a ritual and keep it
alive, no matter what. Whether it's always kissing each other
good night, renewing wedding vows every year, sleeping in as late
as you want once a month or committing to having sex once a week,
pick something that makes you both feel good and stick to it, even
when you're tempted to skip.
12. When the going gets tough, the tough get going... to
therapy. Studies show that couples who seek counseling
during rocky periods are more successful in resolving their issues
than those who don't. Whether its from a religious figure,
counselor or mental health professional, getting an expert to help
sort out strife is as wise as forgoing self-installation and hiring
a plumber to put in a new sink.
What keeps your relationship strong? Let us know in the comments.
Do you need advice on a relationship issue? Ask our community and receive smart, real responses from people who've been there too.
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