Making a Relationship Last and Last

There are volumes written on how to keep relationships going-books, manuals, and magazines dedicated to decoding lasting love. But ultimately, the answers are much more intuitive. It really comes down to trusting your instincts and respecting your partner.

In any relationship, honesty is the key. Lying always goes against our better judgment, and rarely helps a relationship in the end. Even little lies can start to build up, and ultimately, they will only make you feel guilty. Some couples don’t lie, but often fail to communicate-not letting your partner in on your hopes and fears is another way of being dishonest. Honesty is the scaffolding of trust, and without it your romance will topple.

Respect is built through good listening skills, which really come from listening to yourself. How do you know when someone is listening? What helps you most when you have a problem or concern? Listen to your partner the way you’d like to be listened to. Pay attention, give feedback, and avoid passing judgment whenever you can. Your partner will learn from you and reciprocate the act. Practicing active listening will set the stage for sustainable respect.

Finally, you’ll need to meet in the middle. Ideally, perfect partners will have a lot in common, but no two people agree on everything. Trust that compromising now and again is the best possible way for two people to sustain harmony. You’ll get more of what you want if you’re willing to give and take in moderation. Of course, compromising doesn’t have to mean sacrificing constantly. Go that extra mile to find solutions you both feel good about. If you simply trade off making sacrifices, you may both grow frustrated by giving up so often. Resolve to work through tough situations as a team, finding solutions that make you both happy.

Trust, respect through listening, and positive compromising are the keys to unlocking lasting love. Eternal romance doesn’t just happen, but if you work at it, you can be happy together for a lifetime.

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This article is contributed by Tina Jones.