As young adults, it seems like there is never time for long term relationships. But the question is, are we even giving our relationships enough time to actually bloom and become long term? How long is long term you ask? Relationships hit that long term peak when you are able to brush your teeth make up- less as your significant other is grunting on the toilet, telling you what his taste buds are feeling that morning for breakfast. Or being able to tell them they have a huge pimple and them asking you to pop it for them. For any of you in long term relationships right now are most likely laughing because you have experienced either one or the other. Even though long-term relationships may seem simple and all fun, there is a lot of work that needs to be put into them. First things first is:
1. Recognize that all relationships have their ups and downs.
Just as you can't expect to be happy all the time, you shouldn't expect that your relationship will be a continuous high. Making a long-term commitment means you love them through the highs and the lows, and you get through it together. Togetherness is not even an option when it comes to any relationship, it's a must. You work through the fights together. Relationships nowadays are quick to break apart because people aren't willing to try anymore. When you truly love someone, you're afraid to lose them and you'll do anything to help keep your relationship going strong. I've had fights with my boyfriend ranging from not knowing what he was doing for three days to what we are having for dinner that night. When you love someone, you learn to communicate together and get through the difficult situations. You also learn how to enjoy the little things. Even if it is just McDonald's, a kiss on the forehead, or them not holding you under the covers after they just farted. You learn to just love through it all.
2. Be supportive.
No matter what it is, support them in anyway possible. Giving emotional support is key in a relationship. For those of us who have a hard time sharing our feelings with others, emotional support is exactly what we need. Even if it's your significant other just telling you that they are there for you and giving you reassurance that it's okay to take your time. And for the ones that find it easy to share their emotions freely, do so, but be mindful that your significant other may feel differently than you and may need time to process and get their thoughts together. Even helping around the house can be such a great way to be supportive. The simplest things can make your significant other happy, like putting the dishes away or cleaning the dogs poop up this time because they did it last time (yes, this will turn into a fight, but you'll clean up the poop and get over it).
3. Say "I love you" through your actions
Anyone can say "I love you" to anything and everything, but showing your love through actions is really satisfying to your significant other. Small actions go a long way. For example, ordering from their favorite take-out restaurant and paying for it (yes girls, we can pay for things too), or even though you already watched all 10 seasons and 567 episodes of the show they are just now starting on Netflix, you still watch it with them while keeping your mouth shut (trust me its hard). It's the little things we do that make a big difference.
Yes, long term relationships are an everyday job, but when you truly love someone and want to be with them, it doesn't seem like a job at all. Just remember, stay true to them and yourself and no matter what, never go to bed angry, because the next morning you'll wake up to no blankets,
