8 Simple Rules For An Everlasting Relationship

Dec 13, 2018 by apost team

The start of a relationship is always accompanied by excitement. Two individuals enjoy an initial attraction, learn more about each other, and then yearn for a relationship that grows. These new relationships are filled with novelty and thrills.

The work in a relationship begins following the honeymoon phase. The feelings of new adventure are gone and now the focus is on maintaining the connection. There will still be moments that unexpected things happen but these surprises become rarer as time goes on. It is important, however, to not allow complacency to cause you to take your partner for granted.

Following these eight rules will help your relationship stand the test of time:

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1. Maintain Lines Of Communication

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Everyone knows that communication is critical to maintaining a healthy relationship. However, this concept goes much further than what is commonly realized. Communication plays a direct role in every detail of your life and relationship.

Communication is also necessary to gain an understanding between you and your partner. You probably feel you know all you need to know about your significant other but do you have a grasp on how they are feeling today? Do you know when they are feeling underappreciated or overwhelmed? The communication between you should be an ongoing process.

The couple with good communication is comfortable discussing anything. This level of honesty and openness is necessary for both pleasant and unpleasant issues.

2. Anticipate Changes

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Studies show that profound changes take place in people over a seven to eight year period. These changes can be either small or drastic but it is important to understand these changes are sure to happen. Be prepared to see changes in the mind and body of your significant other as you spend the years together.

Changes in mind and body are natural to the life process. However, many people do not account for these changes when they enter a relationship.

Both parties should express changes in desires and needs to their partner as soon as they become conscious of them. When these changes are not articulated, trouble is sure to follow.

You should understand your own thoughts and feelings and be sure to be honest with your partner regarding these things.

3. Share Life Dreams

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It is not difficult to lose sight of what attracted you to the relationship in the first place when dealing with work, household chores, and other responsibilities. Successful couples view themselves from the 'we' perspective. The visions they hold are shared. Dreams and goals like purchasing a home or taking a vacation should be meaningful to both parties.

Establishing a shared vision for life early in the marriage or relationship will lay a solid foundation for long-term relationship success. Developing shared dreams early in the process also increases the likelihood these dreams will one day become a reality.

4. Stay In The Game

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A successful long-term relationship requires a certain amount of resilience from both parties. You can incorporate all the other advice mentioned in the article and you will still have times that you must hold steadfast in the face of adverse conditions.

There will always be trials in a relationship. It is during these trials that both parties must demonstrate their commitment to the relationship.

5. Keep A Physical Connection

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Physical intimacy in a long-term relationship is about more than achieving physical satisfaction. This intimacy will also provide the glue to keep the emotional connection between the couple intact.

The physical intimacy you share with your partner will also keep the fire of passion lit in the relationship. This passion is easy to achieve in the beginning but becomes more difficult as time passes and the pressures of life begin to mount. The stresses that come from these life challenges will seem less important when you and your partner maintain the physical attraction between you.

6. Don't Be Afraid To Apologize

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Mistakes are inevitable in a relationship. Partners in a healthy relationship must be willing to admit when they have acted in error. Do not be stubborn and insist you are right when you know it is not true.

A half-hearted 'I'm sorry' should also not be mumbled as you walk away from your significant other. You should make eye contact and be sincere when giving an apology. Put your pride aside and give a real apology when you have wronged your partner.

7. Concentrate On The Positive

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It is important to demonstrate the appreciation you have for your mate. It is fairly easy to see the good in your partner at the beginning of the relationship. However, it takes a little effort at times to emphasize the positive after two decades of a relationship. You should be just as willing to rattle off the positive attributes of your partner when things are not going well.

8. Make Compromises

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You and your partner are two different people. This fact means there will be different viewpoints on many issues. You will not always agree on things but it is important to not allow a disagreement to turn into an all-out argument. All discussions pertaining to these disagreements should be calm and rational.

Do not become immediately defensive when your partner expresses a disagreement with you. When you are unsure why your partner feels the way he or she does, ask them to provide you with clarity.

Smaller decisions can be decided by taking turns. If you decided on burgers for the evening meal, you should allow your partner to pick a movie.

What do you think about these eight relationship tips in the article? Can you add more suggestions to the list? Send this article to your family and friends. They will appreciate the excellent advice.