Finding a compatible romantic partner is a goal for many of us. Yet, sometimes falling in love is the easy part — it’s staying in love that takes work. At the beginning of a relationship, it can be easier to prioritize your partner, and the two of you likely spend a lot of time together. After you’ve been a couple for a while, however, you may begin to take each other for granted or forget to prioritize quality time.
While busy lives can make romance more difficult it is possible. If the couple remains focused on each other’s needs they are more likely to maintain a healthy relationship. In fact, couples who deliberately and regularly spend time together — whether it’s a date night or a nightly walk around the block — tend to be happier and more satisfied with their relationships.
The fact is that even the happiest relationships take work from both partners.
There are a number of factors that affect whether you have a healthy relationship that is likely to last. For example, do you make each other feel loved? Feeling loved means you feel valued and accepted for you who are.
While shared interests can help strengthen the bond and give you activities to do together, it’s also important to have interests and friends that are yours alone. This can help prevent putting too much pressure on the relationship — after all, no one can be everything to another person.
Being able to communicate openly with each other is another contributor to a healthy relationship. When both people know what they want and can share that with the other. You can deepen the connection, and even avoid some conflicts. However, note that disagreements occur in every relationship and shouldn’t be cause for alarm. In fact, being able to handle arguments is a sign of a strong attachment. Couples manage conflict differently, but the key is to disagree and even argue without impacting the overall health of the relationship.
Whether you’ve fallen in love before or for the first time, you know how exciting and wonderful it feels.
Maintaining that excitement is well worth the effort, and a romantic healthy relationship can make a tremendous difference in your overall happiness. Let your partner know you care with thoughtful gestures such as a loving text or note; surprising them with a gift you know they will appreciate; or going all out to plan a special date night. For more tips on how to spark romance, check out the accompanying resource.
