6 Ways to Keep Your Relationship Alive

Do you ever wonder why many relationships fail and only a handful survive a lifetime? If so, you might conclude few are destined to last. Ask any happy couple who have been together for decades though, and you'll discover the real reason people live happily ever after or break-up. Couples in long-standing partnerships know you must work to keep your relationship alive.


Loving behavior produces a strong bond. When both parties graft to establish harmony, and take responsibility for their happiness, love deepens rather than weakens.

Why relationships fail, and solutions

Communication

Couples often think they need not explain what they want from each other. Each imagines their partner should understand them, and they begin the blame game. When their requirements aren't satisfied, they consider their partner spiteful.

Solution: realize your partner can't mind read

Unless your partner is psychic, he/she won't always realize what will make you happy; sometimes, you have to clarify your expectations. Express yourself while you are calm rather than leave stress to build and erupt. Talk through concerns and be a good listener too.

Quality time

Couples in strained relationships often don't spend quality time together. They lack spontaneity, fun, and romance, and their lives settle into a dull domestic routine. Putting aside time for intimacy is important for any relationship. While sex may not play as big of a role as time goes on, it is still important. Talk to your partner about new ideas and adventures. Try new positions, different rooms, role play, or even introduce sex toys to the bedroom.

Solution: Put sharing quality time on your to do list

See sharing pleasurable times as a necessity, understanding it's more important to keep your relationship alive than vacuum the carpets and weed the garden. Schedule a date night once a week and discuss what happened in your day at mealtimes.

Expectation and Appreciation

When romance fades, chores and other responsibilities take center stage. If a partner rebels and doesn't wash the car, take out the trash or clean the house, arguments ensue. Further, whoever assumes extra responsibility and takes up the slack feels unappreciated and resentful.

Solution: Agree on expectations

House rules suit couples who want precise guidelines about who will mow the lawn or do the household shop. Others find harmony in a more relaxed approach. Clashes happen, though, when expectations don't match, so talk to your partner about which option you prefer. Either can work as long as you agree.

No matter what you decide, remember gratitude and acknowledgment go a long way in a relationship. Let your partner know you appreciate him/her driving the kids to school or cooking the dinner, and your thoughtfulness is likely to be recognized too.

Acceptance

Couples fight when they refuse to accept everyone has quirks, even their beloved. Initially, individual's flaws aren't obvious or are glossed over. In time, however, habits like snoring, cutting bread at an angle, or forgetting anniversaries irritates.

Solution: Learn to let go

Accept your partner's small blunders and foibles rather than try to enforce change. As long as their habits aren't offensive, release bitterness and stress will lift. Of course, you need the same room to maneuver too, and if you don't get it, explain the concept to your partner.

Friendship

Couples focus on each other at first, and even mundane tasks seem fun when carried out as a twosome. They see themselves as best friends. Months later, though, they stop behaving like friends when they talk.

Solution: Kindle good relations

Treat your partner like you want them to treat you, which means not using harsh words. Most couples are mean when they argue and don't converse in caring ways. Be mindful of the language you use and build a supportive relationship.

Self-fulfillment

Unhappy couples rarely take responsibility for creating their joy; they expect their partner to complete them and make them content.

Solution: Take charge of joy

Couples are happiest when both parties generate their own joy. Does your contentment depend on your partner's behavior? If so, you will face disappointment since no one but you can make you happy. Take care of your needs and inject extra pleasure into your relationship. Make improvements and your satisfaction will grow.

Conflict arises when couples stop trying. During the early stage of the relationship, they are thoughtful and aim to please. Later, they take each other for granted and the rot sets in, consuming happiness.

You, though, can increase the odds of your partnership lasting by noting the tips mentioned. Avoid the unhelpful behaviors of typical couples and maintain contentment to aid success.