For most people, falling in love is easy!
That amazing rush of emotion and closeness that two people feel when they connect on a deep level of friendship, trust, and LOVE!
However, the tricky part comes later. That part where you are supposed to stay in love for the rest of your lives.
In the beginning stages of your relationship, love usually comes easy! You can’t wait to be together and you think each other constantly.
But, as you become more comfortable in your relationship, the extra effort and romantic gestures may begin to dwindle as bad habits enter your relationship and start to destroy it.
Remaining in love takes dedicated commitment from both individuals in the relationship.
You have to invest in each other on a daily basis – something that is often easier said than done!
Below are 9 habits from couples who have remained in love through thick and thin!
1.) CHECK IN WITH EACH OTHER THROUGHOUT THE DAY
This tip seems easy enough, and yet so many couples completely ignore it!
They think that letting their partner know where they are is somehow infringing on their independence and privacy.
Well, my independent friend, this is an important part of every strong relationship!
In a recent interview, actor Hugh Jackman said that he and his wife, Deb, keep their marriage strong by calling and texting each other every single day. Checking in with each other has helped them maintain trust and a sense of closeness no matter where they are.
Send a loving text or a funny meme – whatever works for you! Checking in is a wonderful way to create a secure and loving relationship.
2.) IMPROVE YOUR PDA SKILLS
Some couples have a problem with PDA – it may feel uncomfortable, too romantic, or simply unnatural.
However, public displays of affection can make you much closer!
Most men are instinctively protective and enjoy putting their arm around their girl or holding her hand as a sign of protection and ownership (in a healthy way).
Women love to feel protected and secure in their relationships – PDA being a wonderful way to increase these feelings.
Show your spouse that you love them and want the world to know it too!
3.) DON’T HIDE THINGS FROM EACH OTHER
Are there things that you hesitate to tell your significant other? Why?
Is your spouse overly sensitive or jealous? Or are you doing something that you know is wrong and hurtful?
In today’s society, there is a common misconception that it is healthy to keep some parts of your life separate from your spouse.
This is not referring to agreeing to keep separate bank accounts! This is talking about keeping parts of your social life and social habits hidden from your spouse. This concept is dead wrong – and today’s ever-rising divorce rates are living proof!
Your spouse is supposed to be your best friend and confidant.
If you are going to spend the rest of your life together, you need to build a relationship built on trust. This means telling them about any problems in your past and being honest about anything you are struggling with currently.
The worst thing you can do for your relationship is to withhold information or lie.
4.) FIND SIMILAR INTERESTS
In many cases, opposites do attract!
They find strengths and interests in the other person that they do not find in themselves.
However, for a relationship to last a lifetime, you must find activities and interests that you both enjoy.
Think about it. When you first dated, you put your best foot forward! Even if you hated a certain activity, you would have gone just to show them love and support.
You can’t stop doing this once you are officially together!
Make an effort to take interest in a few of the activities that your spouse enjoys! YES, this will take some sacrifice for both of you, but it will be worth it.
You don’t have to pretend to love hunting, fishing, football, shopping, or watching a certain TV show; but you should try to find some common ground on at least a few of each others’ favorite pastimes.
5.) LEARN TO SOLVE PROBLEMS RESPECTFULLY
Every couple argues a different way!
Perhaps your spouse is loud and dramatic. Or perhaps they get very quiet and unresponsive when they are upset at you. Or maybe they are direct, stern, and unrelenting.
You have to realize that your spouse is very different from you and they need a chance to have their opinion heard in a respectful manner – even if you think they are completely wrong!
You will have to figure out what “problem resolution” style works well for your relationship.
However, the key is to not disregard it for too long. Talk it through, work at it, and find some common ground.
Related Articles: 10 Signs Your Relationship Has Communication Problems
6.) DON’T TALK BEHIND EACH OTHER’S BACKS
Most people don’t understand the damage that a hurtful and disrespectful comment can cause in their relationship – especially when said to someone behind their spouse’s back.
Privacy and mutual respect are two building blocks in every successful relationship!
If you choose to tell a friend or family member a private fact about your spouse, you are betraying their trust and tearing down an invaluable part of your relationship.
No, this is not referring to abuse, addiction, or any other toxic relationship habits. You should always confront the person and seek professional help when you are in these types of situations.
This is talking about the bad habit of having a BIG MOUTH!
You do not need to tell anyone about your last argument, your spouse’s weird habits, or any other private facts that they wouldn’t share with anyone other than you. By doing this, you are betraying their trust!
Long after you have forgotten what you disclosed to others, they will still remember and may hold it against your spouse.
If your significant other ever finds out that you betrayed their trust and confidence, it could have a serious effect on your relationship!
Make privacy a sacred part of your relationship. You should always know that your spouse is someone you can always trust, no matter what!
7.) COMMUNICATE YOUR EXPECTATIONS
Communication is one of the most important aspects of every successful relationship.
Talking through problems is one of the KEYS to long-lasting love.
But what about the little day-to-day expectations>
Example: What are your social media habits? Is it a big deal to you for your spouse to comment on your photos or write a nice post about you on your birthday or anniversary? TELL THEM!
Do you hate how often your significant other is on social media or playing video games? Do you dislike how they are always late for everything? Does your spouse have a little habit that gets on your last nerve? Are you sick and tired of them leaving the toilet seat up and clothes lying on the bathroom floor? Are you looking for a way to divide household chores evenly?
TALK ABOUT IT!
Little concerns and annoyances can grow into big problems in your relationship.
Related Articles: 7 Ways to Build up Your Husband
8.) ALLOW YOUR SPOUSE TO HAVE THEIR GUILTY PLEASURE
No, this is not talking about something secretive, inappropriate, or damaging to your relationship! This is referring to that one thing that they have always loved, but you really hate!
Does your spouse have something they love to do, but you can’t stand?
Watching sports, hanging out with with friends, playing video games, etc.
If it has become an addiction, talk about it! But if it is a harmless pleasure that he enjoys once in a while, let him do it!
Don’t make disparaging comments, give disapproving glares, or discourage your spouse from holding on to a few things that you personally dislike.
If it isn’t damaging your relationship and taking precedence over you, let them have it!
9.) NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF SEX
Sex can be a fun and bonding experience!
Since it is such an important part of staying in love, find ways to make it mutually enjoyable! (You need to openly talk about it.)
If you are rarely “in the mood” or you are extremely busy, try to consciously make time for this aspect of your relationship.
It is important!
Related Articles:
- The 5 Things Women Want Most From a Husband
- 9 Things You Should Never Say To Your Significant Other
- The 5 Things Men Want Most From a Wife
