Please Note: While all of these guidelines are important for relationship success, relationships require constant effort.
Relationship Advice
11 Guidelines to Life-Long Relationship Success
When you truly know you love someone, the desire for much of the following will likely come naturally with time. Yet, all 11 require consistent effort, daily maintenance, and thoughtful dedication for life-long success. And the benefits are immeasurable!
1. Find meaning in your lives together. Get involved in a "good cause."
2. Share your love regularly with a simple gesture. A surprise post-it note, a special email, or a flower in his/her briefcase can make all the difference. Yes, be romantic!
3. Be patient with his/her flaws and never expect perfection. Try to always speak positively toward your partner (be constructive in your words and actions).
4. Say I love you at least once per day and be sincere about it. When possible, always say it in person. It holds that much more meaning!
5. Create bonding memories through quality time and be creative. Trade off planning memorable evenings: e.g., an intimate picnic, a romantic get-away, a candle-lit dinner with your partner's favorite food, or just a simple yet magical night sleeping under the stars (all quality time together). We recommend a minimum amount of quality time spent together: A.) Living Apart: 50% B.) Living Together: 25% (more difficult).
6. Put your partner's needs first. Your partner must do the same for you. When successful, you'll both experience a stronger bond and mutual trust.
7. Monogamy signifies a special love, affection, and devotion you share with only your partner that won't just strengthen your relationship now but will become a vital source of trust, stability, and romance in future years to come.
8. Communicate while never ASSUMING anything. Set a time each week to sit and talk openly about expectations, frustrations, hurt feelings, and gratitude. Then, plan on ways to resolve current problems, minimize future problems, and enhance the good! Lastly, never go to bed angry toward one another. Try to resolve arguments before bedtime.
9. A healthy social life is essential. Surround your relationship with couples, family, and friends who are in successful, committed long-term relationships (e.g., married and/or committed for over 2 years). You absorb those positive traits from those you surround yourself with most frequently.
10. Be Genuine and Authentic. Allow your vulnerabilities to shine through. Don't be afraid to let your genuine self manifest each and every day. When you peal back the protective layers you've developed, your partner can fully appreciate your authentic self.
11. Don't exclude romantic sex. This is extraordinarily important. It will allow your relationship to blossom both physically and emotionally; open up affectionately to experience a more meaningful sex-life together.
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