We all know that relationships are a lot of work. In the beginning, everything seems so easy. The honeymoon period fades, though, and relationships become more about communication and compromise. Not all couples will be together forever, but many can overcome the years. Couples who stay in love for years practice some of the same core habits.
Here Are 10 Habits of Couples Who Stay Madly in Love
1. Love Requires Communication
This is truly the golden rule for couples staying madly in love. Good communication is key for every relationship, strong ones. Being able to talk to your partner will significantly improve your relationship.
But, there’s a huge difference between communication and conversing with your partner. Author and philanthropist Tony Robbins says, “People often confuse communication for talking or making conversation, and this is the root cause of why many of these same people are so unsuccessful in communicating with their partners. Communication in relationships, at its core, is about connecting and using your verbal, written and physical skills to fulfill your partner’s needs.”
In this statement, Tony Robbins highlights the critical nature of understanding that communication in relationships is not just about talking or making conversation but about connecting with your partner and fulfilling their needs. He suggests that many people fail to communicate effectively with their partners because they misunderstand the true purpose of communication in a relationship.
According to Robbins, effective communication requires verbal, written, and physical skills. This means that communication in relationships is not just limited to verbal communication. It also includes nonverbal cues such as body language, touch, and facial expressions. It also includes written communication, such as text messages or love letters.
Effective communication involves creating a deeper connection with your partner and understanding their needs. This involves actively listening to your partner and expressing your needs and desires in a way your partner can understand.
Robbins emphasizes that successful communication in relationships requires a willingness to be vulnerable and to share your emotions and feelings with your partner. This means being honest about your thoughts and feelings, even admitting fault or displaying vulnerability.
Open and honest communication is a habit that every couple should have, especially if you want your relationship to last.
2. Say “I love you” … a Lot
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” – Lao Tzu
For some people, saying “I Iove you” is incredibly meaningful. That means they don’t want to cheapen the words by saying them too often. But saying “I love you” too much, is much better than not saying it enough.
Professor and author Terri Orbuch, Ph.D. states, “Saying and doing small, simple expressions of gratitude every day yields big rewards. When people feel recognized as special and appreciated, they’re happier in that relationship and more motivated to make the relationship better and stronger.”
Orbuch highlights the importance of expressing gratitude in relationships. She suggests that small, simple expressions of gratitude can significantly impact the happiness and satisfaction of both partners in the relationship.
Orbuch argues that when people feel recognized and appreciated for their efforts, they are more likely to feel happier in the relationship and more motivated to make it stronger. This is because expressing gratitude helps to foster a sense of connection and intimacy between partners, creating a positive emotional bond.
Don’t be afraid to express your love for your partner whenever you feel it. Couples who stay in love for years express their love often.
3. Be Kind to One Another
Teasing and jokes are okay, but don’t take things too far. If you know that there’s something that your partner is sensitive about, don’t try to tease them about it. Being kind can go a long way.
“Becoming a more effective partner is the most efficient way to assure a loving, intimate relationship. Kindness and having your partner’s back are essential,” says psychotherapist, counselor, and the author, Judy Ford. Couples with a love that lasts for years are always kind to one another. Being kind is how you build understanding and trust.
According to Ford, being an effective partner involves being attentive to your partner’s needs and feelings and responding in kind and supportive way. This means showing empathy, understanding, and compassion towards your partner, even when you may disagree with their perspective.
Having your partner’s back means being a loyal and supportive ally, standing up for your partner, and supporting them through both good times and bad. It means being there for your partner, listening to their concerns, and offering practical help and emotional support when needed.
Ford argues that these qualities are essential for building a strong and healthy relationship because they create both partners’ sense of safety and security. When both partners can rely on each other for emotional support, they are more likely to feel connected and committed to the relationship.
4. Make Time for One Another
Even when you’re busy with work or school, always make time to be with one another. “No matter who you are or what your work is, you need to nurture your relationship. Make sure you schedule time for the well-being of your relationship. That includes making “play dates” and also taking downtime together,” says psychologist Lynda Klau, PhD.
Life can get in the way, but couples who have strong and long-lasting relationships always put one another first. Even if it’s only an hour to meet for lunch, having time to see one another and connect is essential.
5. Forgiveness
Everyone makes mistakes. We’re all human. Even couples madly in love make mistakes and accidentally hurt one another’s feelings. However, couples who make their relationship last always know how to forgive one another. Forgiveness can help heal many cracks in a relationship and strengthen it.
6. Love Means Compromise
Another staple of any strong relationship is compromised. Things can’t always be done the exact way you want them to. Knowing how to compromise with your partner will keep you both sane when that happens.
Dr. Gabrielle Morrissey says, “… compromise is part of a relationship. When you get two people merging and sharing their lives, communication isn’t the only necessary skill to navigate all that and stay happy together…compromise is a big part of it too.”
Being able to concede on some things is part of growing up. It is also part of keeping your relationship good and strong.
7. Enjoy the Moment
Stress can build quickly if you’re always looking toward the future. Stress can also cause a lot of strain on a relationship. Couples who have strong relationships always make sure to take some time and enjoy being in the moment. Appreciate the time that you have together, and your love will last for years.
8. Take Time for Yourself
As much as you love spending time with your partner, you must always make time for yourself. Do the things that you love, and make time for your hobbies. Couples who have strong relationships always take time to make themselves strong, too.
“There is one major cause of relationship problems: self-abandonment. When you decide to learn to love yourself rather than continue to abandon yourself, you will discover how to create a loving relationship with your partner,” says relationship expert and author Margaret Paul, Ph.D.
A relationship should be two individual people coming together.
9. Listen to Each Other
And that means really listening! Don’t just hear them – listen to what they have to say. Couples with solid and lasting relationships commit to listening to one another daily. This builds companionship between both partners, as well as trust and affection.
When couples listen to each other, they demonstrate their commitment to the relationship and show that they value their partner’s thoughts, feelings, and opinions. Listening also creates an environment of mutual respect and understanding, which is essential for building trust and intimacy.
Through listening, couples can learn more about each other, their hopes, fears, and dreams. They can gain insight into each other’s perspectives, which can help them to navigate conflicts and challenges in the relationship more effectively.
10. Support Each Other
As a couple, you are each other’s biggest cheerleaders. You’re also the first line regarding being one another’s support system.
“Being supportive does not mean doing anything for your partner that makes us uncomfortable. Part of being supportive is to be really present and a good listener, to not constantly stand in judgment and actually have a sincere and caring disposition,” says couples and marriage counselor Keith Flynn BSc, Dip. Hyp.
Couples with long-lasting relationships support each other. Even when things get tough, being there for one another will keep your love strong.
Final Thoughts on Couples Who Stay Madly in Love
Strong and long-lasting relationships are entirely possible. They take a little bit of work and effort. Both partners should commit to these everyday habits to make their relationship last for years. Couples who have been madly in love for years always make sure to be attentive to one another’s needs and to practice good, healthy habits.
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