For most people, there is nothing more rewarding and satisfying than having a special person with whom to share love and all the other important things in life. The happiness and pleasure that can be derived from being in love, along with the countless benefits and excitement and satisfaction is indescribable. However, having a successful and lasting relationship requires continuous effort.
If you don’t work on it, your relationships are destined to fail. While there are some things like physical attraction and desire for each other that aren’t totally under your control, there are a lot of fundamental things you can and should do to make sure the sparks keep flying and keep your relationship vibrant and healthy. Here are the top 10 things to continually grow and progress in your relationship no matter how long you’ve been together:
- express love – Everyone wants to feel special and know that they are the most important person in the world for their partner. Don’t make the mistake of taking your partner for granted. Let them know how precious they are by regularly expressing your love and appreciation, and you’ll have a much better chance of receiving love in return.
- commit to success – It takes two people for a relationship to work. If you are committed to each other, no matter what happens, you will survive the good times and the bad. Let your partner know you’re in this for the long haul and don’t give up at the first sign of trouble. Every relationship has its challenges, and those that last forever have the commitment to do it as a fundamental ingredient.
- communicate openly – Nobody can read your mind. Don’t make the mistake of assuming your partner knows what you are thinking and feeling. Bide your time, but make sure your partner understands how you feel about something that’s important to you. If they don’t, their choices may differ from yours, which can create resentment. Open communication is a very important building block in any relationship. Make sure to keep it at all times.
- Be honest and trustworthy – These precious elements go hand in hand and in order to share your deepest and most intimate feelings, both you and your partner need to feel that you can trust each other. Once broken, trust can take a lifetime to rebuild, if ever. Do not give your partner any reason to lose confidence in you.
- Make love – Frequent, lively and passionate lovemaking creates a very deep and critically important bond that is sure to bring you closer together. Without it, you will distance yourself and build walls that are difficult to break down. Keep the relationship exciting by being sensitive to your partner’s needs and desires, and actively initiate and contribute to the regular fulfillment of each other’s sexual fantasies.
- engaged – No one can or should get away with it one hundred percent of the time. Constantly consider your partner’s needs and wants, and do everything you can to ensure those needs are met. Commitment is an essential aspect of every relationship and it extends to all the other points mentioned here.
- Respect each other – Showing and sharing mutual respect is another very simple and fundamental element, and yet many couples fail in this area. Disrespect comes in many forms, creates resentment, and can be very damaging.
- have fun – Over time, your relationship may become stale if you don’t find new ways to inject some fun into it. Although you and your partner may have differences about what you find fun, be sure to stay flexible and spice up your relationship by trying out what your partner likes before you reject the idea. Being spontaneous and having fun times not only keeps your relationship interesting while you’re together, but also creates fond memories that you’ll both cherish forever.
- be emotionally available – Everyone needs to be heard sometimes and wants a partner who will listen to their emotional problems and challenges. If you are totally consumed with your own personal problems and are not sensitive to your partner’s emotions, you will feel an emptiness and may look for someone else who is. Sometimes just listening is enough, and often your partner will want and need you to validate their thoughts and feelings.
- Be faithful – Infidelity is probably the most painful and damaging element in any relationship. In fact, it contradicts all the other points mentioned here necessary for a lasting and prosperous relationship. Although some couples can survive the effects of infidelity, no relationship will benefit when a third party is in the mix, whether or not the other party knows about the affair.
As you have seen, there are many things you can do to build a successful and prosperous relationship with your partner. By investing a little extra effort, you too can enjoy the happiness and countless benefits that a lasting relationship will bring you.
