1. Accept each other While the chemical high of the
honeymoon phase may convince you otherwise, nobody's perfect - not even
your soulmate! We all have strengths and weaknesses. Committing to
someone means seeing that person as they are and accepting them for
both good and bad. Of course it doesn't mean you have to like that they
never pick up after themselves or have a tendency to get half way
through one task before moving on to the next, but the point is you
can't let the things that irk you become your focus. If problems arise,
you should absolutely address them, but it has to be done in a
respectful manner. In other words, don't demean or belittle each other.
And even if you think they know you're just kidding, never, ever say
negative things to your mate in front of other people. Successful
couples, according to the experts, are a team.
2. Know how to fight Unconditional
love may present a united front, but it doesn't mean there won't be
arguments behind the scenes. There will be. The catch is to fight like
adults rather than children. Yelling and screaming, slamming doors and
name calling - not going to fly in a lasting partnership. Same goes for
blaming your partner whenever things go wrong. Instead, learn to fight
fair. Accept responsibility for your actions, and explain your
feelings. Listen to what your partner says and make sure you really hear it. Avoid low blows or bringing up the past unless it directly relates
to what's going on in the present. It may take some time and both of
you may need to repeat what the other has said to make sure there isn't
miscommunication or misunderstanding, but mastering conflict resolution
is a skill that will serve you - and your relationship - well over time.
3. Admire each other It may seem far away right
now, but eventually love's initial rush will die down and life will
become more routine. When that happens, always remember the things that
first turned you on about your partner - in the bedroom and otherwise.
Healthy, lasting, loving relationships never lose sight of those things
and people in those relationships aren't afraid to express them. Tell
your partner what you love about them on a regular basis. Thank them
for their efforts around the house. Celebrate their accomplishments and
console them in their crises. Love their strengths and do it openly.
Mutual admiration is at the core of every partnership, and it's vital
never to let that fall by the wayside. It's a base that can't be shaken.
4. Keep the romance alive We
all hear the stories about romance dying over time or sex becoming
secondary, but they're just not true - or at least they don't have to
be. The happiest couples report that the fire never goes away. It ebbs
and flows, sure, but chemistry is chemistry. That said, romance doesn't
thrive on its own. It's up to you to keep it alive and well. How? Make
the most of the little moments in life as well as the big ones. Find
reasons to celebrate. Slow dance on a night when the kids are out or
share a special bottle of wine to mark the culmination of a tough
project at work. Bring home take out when you know your partner is
tired or send a suggestive email when a racy thought crosses your mind
during the day. The idea is to surprise each other, to make your
special someone feel that they're special to you. Above all else, never
forget that the fate (and state) of your relationship is in your own
hands.