In today’s “hook-up” culture it can be quite difficult to make any relationship last long-term. I believe this has a lot to do with the tendency our society has embraced to just “throw things away” when the going gets tough. Instant gratification has become the status quo and whenever folks hit a rough patch with their partner, it seems as if people would rather just find something shiny and new, as opposed to truly working things out in a mature manner. After observing this common trend in so many different relationships, I have come up with a handful of key aspects that I feel are absolutely vital to any healthy, long-lasting relationship.
1. Complete Honesty
Most people do not seem to understand that not only should you learn to be completely honest with your partner, but the process first starts with being completely honest with yourself. Too many people have not yet reached the point where they can evaluate their individual life and choices they make with complete transparency. We all have issues to work on within ourselves, but until you face those personal problems head on, how could you ever expect to be truly honest with your partner? For example, let’s just say you are super stubborn and have the hardest time admitting when you are wrong, whether it be for something silly or during an argument. Until you recognize this tendency within yourself to always be on the defensive side when you make a mistake, it is going to make things extremely difficult in a relationship if you can never admit when you are in the wrong.
2. Open Communication
Often it can be hard to express your true feelings to your partner. Maybe it’s because you know something you have to say would upset them or hurt their feelings, or maybe it is because you tend to be a poor communicator. In order to fully grow and blossom with your partner, it is crucial that both of you share your true thoughts, feelings and intentions. If you are being completely honest about something and are open to talk about it, your relationship has a much greater chance of lasting long-term than if you never fully express yourself. Holding in your real emotions leads to resentment and unnecessary agitation that can blow up at any moment. You never want to be one of those people who becomes a ticking time bomb. Just be yourself and let your partner know how you are really feeling about things along the way. Plus, when you share your true perspective on things, it allows a chance for both of you to gain a better understanding of each other and potentially grow closer together.
3. Meeting Each Other Halfway
This is probably one of the biggest factors to maintain a healthy relationship. This even extends to friendships, as well. In any given relationship there is usually someone who cares more and the other tends to care a bit less. This is the stereotype of “whoever cares less holds the power.” While this statement might be true in some regard, it definitely doesn’t promote a healthy and long-lasting relationship. If you are serious about your partner and truly care for them, then you will always be more than willing to meet them halfway. This promotes a continual process of compromising and when you compromise, you both win. Plus you’re showing that you believe you both are of equal value, and every relationship is a two-way street.
4. Working Through The Rough Patches
Great relationships are the ones that have had some rough times, but found a way to work through them. A lot of folks want to be in that happy relationship that goes the distance, but not everyone is willing to put in the work. In order to become that strong couple that gets through anything, you absolutely cannot give up after your first big argument. Being in an intimate relationship with another person is bound to bring about some conflict, but it is your approach to managing that conflict that makes or breaks you. The more issues you experience with your partner and find a way to work it out, the stronger you become and the closer together you will grow.
5. Always Be Open To Trying New Things
A truly healthy relationship will cause the two of you to grow and blossom towards life and everything your partner has to offer. Each one of you has your own interests and passions and nothing beats sharing these things with the person you love. Trying new things also allows you both to have fresh experiences and learn more about yourself and each other. It is especially important to maintain a sense of adventure in your romantic life, as you would never want your relationship to become boring and predictable. So, take a random road trip somewhere or try a new restaurant; just be spontaneous and have fun creating new memories and experiences.
