7 Tips For A Healthy And Happy Long-Term Relationship

When you meet someone that you connect with, it can make you feel practically giddy. The first year or so, in particular, is usually exciting and packed with many enjoyable occasions. You find out more about each other, your first kiss, meeting respective friends and family, and generally doing lots of fun stuff together.

As time goes on and you get more comfortable with each other, the honeymoon period starts to fade, and before you know it, you are having your first argument.

Relationships are not easy, and most encounter bumps in the road, but if you work hard on yours and follow a few of our pointers, you should have a pretty good chance at making it work.

Here are 7 tips for a healthy and happy long-term relationship.

1# Don’t stop having fun

When you start dating, you make an effort to do things you perhaps wouldn’t usually do. You spend time thinking of places to go or make a point of socializing with friends and other couples. Just because you have been together for five or ten years doesn’t mean that needs to stop. Keep doing the fun stuff and keep trying new things. It’s a great way to keep your relationship alive.

2# Don’t let habits annoy you

If you ever feel aggravated by your partner’s little habits, think back to how you used to react to them. In the beginning, you may, for example, have found the way he ate an apple or the way she twitched her nose after she sneezed quite cute. If you now find these things annoying, you need to take a step back and realize that it’s your reactions that have changed, not your partner’s quirks.

3# What personality type are you

If your relationship is under strain, understanding your personality types can help you understand why your partner is saying certain things or acting in a specific way. For example, an ENFJ personality type is typically someone loyal, supportive, and can always be depended upon. ESTP types, on the other hand, can be very direct and would rather do something than talk about it.

Taking a Myers-Briggs test to find out what personality types you both are could do wonders when it comes to good interaction and maneuvering through issues in your relationship.

4# Good communication

Good communication is crucial to a long and happy life together. When you struggle with communication, things can be taken in the wrong way and issues can fester and become even bigger. If something is bothering you, tell your partner. Letting it out will ease the burden a little, and you can then discuss the issues and hopefully come up with a mutually agreeable resolution.

It is also essential to communicate in the right way. If you start shouting or losing your temper before your partner has even had a chance to speak, it isn’t likely to end well.

5# Never go to bed on an argument

Many couples who have been together for decades say that this is a key piece of advice. You never know what tomorrow will bring, so it’s always better to clear the air before you go to bed. You may not be in the mood to talk, but going to bed angry will usually result in you waking up in a bad mood, and there will be tension all over again. Not only that, but you will probably have a terrible night’s sleep!

6# Have a life out of your long-term relationship

Although having a close relationship and spending lots of time with your partner is important, it’s just as necessary to have a life outside of your relationship. Many people stop spending time with friends or give up hobbies when they get into a long-term relationship.

The bottom line is you should never stop doing what you love because of someone else, and your partner must understand that.

7# Be affectionate

Many people will admit that they can’t remember the last time they kissed their partner or the last time they had a cuddle together. Affection is a basic human need, so if that is an area that is a cause for concern in your long-term relationship, then work on it.

If you go years without any intimacy, it can become such a big deal that the idea of being close seems like an alien concept. Make a point of telling your partner they look nice or kissing them once in a while, and it could help keep the chemistry alive.