Falling in love can seem easy, but it can be difficult to stay in it.If you and your partner have moved past the first part of your relationship, you may have a hard time figuring out how to spend time together.There are a lot of ways that you can work together to keep your relationship going for a long time.You can begin to learn how.
Step 1: You can talk with your partner.
Communication is an important part of a relationship.Discuss your day with your partner, from your deepest fears to your dreams.If you're having trouble or not happy with something in the relationship, be open about it and work together to solve it.Encourage your partner to open up to you as well.Your partner's tone of voice and body language can be clues to their emotional state.
Step 2: You should express your appreciation for them.
Don't allow your partner to be taken for granted.It's important to tell them what you like about them on a regular basis.Point out what they do well and let them know why.It is more likely that you will also be appreciated in return if you appreciate your partner on a regular basis.When I get home, you're happy to see me, and my day just instantly gets better.Let them know that you notice the little things, like taking out the trash.It can go a long way.
Step 3: They should make time for each other.
It's important that you set aside time every week to spend with each other.Regular quality time is important if you want to keep your love strong.Try not to talk about chores, the kids, or anything else that makes you stressed during this time.Put your phones down so you can concentrate on each other.Quality time can be accomplished by drinking coffee in the morning, going for a walk on the weekend, or watching your favorite show at night.Quality time is affected by regular dates.Between special occasions, make sure you spend time together.If you can't be together in person, make sure you schedule regular times to catch up over the phone or video calls.
Step 4: When the "honeymoon phase" ends, don't get discouraged.
It is normal to be enamored with someone the first few months you are dating.The day-to-day grind and the ups and downs of a relationship will set in over time, and those initial feelings will change a little.A deeper love will replace them if you stay dedicated to each other.The end of the honeymoon phase is an important step in your relationship.It's time to get to know your partner better.
Step 5: Remember why you fell in love in the first place.
In time, those early dating days will seem like a distant memory, as you grow and change over the course of your relationship.Try to remember what made you fall in love with your partner, like their sense of humor or compassionate nature.They'll hold onto those qualities over the years.Going back to the place where you had your first date is a great way to get back into the swing of things.When you first met your partner, looking through pictures from when you started dating can help you remember.Write down your favorite things about your partner.The way his eyes light up when he talks about music, or the way she can always think of something positive to say, are examples of ways to be specific.When the two of you have an argument, look over that list.
Step 6: Take your own interests and goals into account.
It's important for you to be independent even in a long-term relationship.You may not appreciate the time that you have together if you spend every waking moment with your partner.It's important to keep your independence as you continue your relationship.You can set aside a night or day each week where you and your friends can do something together.
Step 7: You should be trusting and trustworthy.
You need to be able to trust each other in order to love one another.Building trust involves being vulnerable with each other, keeping promises, and keeping the lines of communication open.Each time that you trust your partner to take care of something for you or to keep his or her word, you are giving them a chance to follow through and earn more trust from you.When you need someone to support you, tell your partner your secrets, and let them handle things on their own.
Step 8: Take care of yourself.
It's only going to make your relationship stronger if you feel good about yourself.If you want to look and feel your best, make your physical and emotional health a priority.Try to: Eat a healthy diet and stay hydrated, get enough sleep, and take time for self-care.
Step 9: They should flirt with each other.
You shouldn't stop flirting just because you've been together for a while.Make it a habit to give your partner flirtatious glances, compliment their appearance, and be affectionate with each other.Anything that lets them know you're still in love with them!Call your partner a flirtatious nickname like "handsome," "cutie," or "beautiful."When they're not expecting it, reach for their hand or put your arm around their waist.Give them a smile from across the room.Send them a text that says "I keep getting distracted from work because I'm thinking about you!"
Step 10: Traditions are created.
Sharing traditions strengthens the bond between you and your partner.Make traditions that will strengthen your relationship.As your relationship continues to progress, you can create new traditions.Traditions evolve as a result of your likes and dislikes.You can start a tradition of having an Oscar watching party where you both dress up and present each other with an award by watching the Oscars together.
Step 11: Give them thoughtful gifts.
Pay attention to the things your partner always looks at, but never buys for themselves.It's the type of stuff that makes a perfect gift.They will enjoy whatever you give them, but they will also be touched by the fact that you noticed what they wanted.Gifts don't have to be expensive and can be as simple as bringing home flowers or picking up their favorite pasta when they're too busy to cook dinner.You don't have to buy something.If you can, leave a sweet note in their pocket before they leave for work or send them a text when you know they're having a hard day.
Step 12: Don't be scripted.
You have a lot of responsibilities to take care of, and you probably can't just blow off work to go backpack around Switzerland.Drop the schedule every once in a while and do something fun.Being impromptu will help keep your lover on his toes, and both of you will feel like your relationship is more exciting and fun.It can be as simple as calling off dinner, going out for ice cream, or having a slow dance after the kids are asleep.You could take a quick trip when the weather is nice.
Step 13: Try something new.
You might feel stuck in the same routine when you're in a relationship for a long time.Break out of it with a new hobby or activity.If you can't come up with something you want to do, you're able to take turns trying each other's favorite activity.Take a ballroom class, sign up for painting lessons, or build something together.
Step 14: You should go on double dates.
Going out with another couple is a great way to keep the flame alive, even though regular dates are important.As the two of you get to know the other couple on a deeper level, it gives you a chance to see your sweetheart in a different light.If you can comfortably have in-depth conversations, invite another couple to join you for dinner at your favorite restaurant the next time you feel like shaking things up.
Step 15: You can go on a romantic vacation.
It can be hard to clear your schedule or budget for a trip, but going on vacation with your partner is an amazing way to reignite your relationship.Just spending a night or two at a cute hotel in the next town can leave you both feeling refreshed and closer than ever.Take some time to plan your ultimate vacation if you can't get away right now.Talk about where you'd like to go, then research hotels, restaurants, and things to do in town.That dream vacay might become a reality sooner or later.
Step 16: Things should be spiced up in the bedroom.
Don't be afraid to try something new.Next time you're having sex, surprise your partner with something they've always wanted to try.Pick out something you think would be fun, like a board game for couples or a book on different sex positions, when you visit an adults-only shop together.You'll get at knowing what turns your partner on if you're together for a long time.If you take advantage of that, you can change things up every now and then.Teasing your partner by sending them flirtatious texts, brushing against them when you pass in the hallway, and giving them an extra-long kiss before they leave for work is a must.
Step 17: As soon as possible, resolve conflicts.
Some couples disagree.When there is any distance between you, it hurts.Don't pull further away if that happens.Let your partner know that you love them.Discuss how you can avoid an argument next time, and find a solution to the disagreement.When you disagree about something, take turns talking about your point of view and listen to the other person.Try to find a compromise that works for you.Don't sweep past disagreements under the rug, but try not to hold onto them.It's important to be open and honest so resentment doesn't build up.You are a team.The two of you are against a problem not against each other.
Step 18: In a nonconfrontational way, bring up issues.
There are times when you need to address something that you're not happy with.Maybe they didn't keep up their end of the agreement, or you're concerned about one of their habits.It's important to talk about these things openly, but try to approach it in a loving way so it doesn't lead to an argument.Don't point the finger at your partner, use "I" statements to describe your feelings.You might say, "I really love you and I want you to be here for a long time."I'm concerned that you haven't gone to the doctor to see if you have a cough.Can we talk about it?You could say, "When you leave your dirty clothes on the floor it makes me feel frustrated and anxious."Is there anything we can do to make it easier to put clothes in the hamper?
Step 19: Accept that you have a role to play in disagreements.
One of the best ways to deal with conflicts is to know when you are at fault and try to compromise with your partner.It will be easier to find areas for compromise if you take responsibility for your role in the conflicts that arise in your relationship.Even if you feel like your partner started an argument, apologize for what you did wrong.You could say, "I'm sorry that I yelled when I was angry."I should have taken a break.When things go wrong, don't let your partner blame you.You should both take responsibility for your actions.
Step 20: Your partner should be forgiven for their flaws.
People forget that no one is perfect and that they love them.Your partner is going to make mistakes and hurt you.You need to learn how to forgive them in order to maintain a loving relationship.You have to be willing to give forgiveness to get forgiveness, and you are going to make mistakes as well.Accept your partner's quirks.You can't expect your partner to do everything the same as you do.It's just a part of who they are.
Step 21: Listen carefully during arguments.
Listen to what your partner is saying to you if you need to talk about something.Don't just think about what you'll say next, stay present and try to understand what they're getting at.Make sure they know that you will support them no matter what.It is possible to repeat what your partner is saying to make sure you understand each other.You could say, "It sounds like you're frustrated because I've been working long hours."
Step 22: Be willing to compromise.
You can't just make decisions based on what you want.If you have different opinions about decisions, talk to your partner.Sometimes it means taking turns, and other times it is meeting in the middle.One of you might say, "Okay, let's see the one you want to see this week, then the other person can choose the next one."Sometimes you have to come up with a completely new solution.If one of you wants Greek food and the other wants Mexican, you could end up going for Thai instead.It's possible to pick up food from two different places.Bigger compromises may happen in your relationship as well.If you are offered a job in another state, your partner will have to decide if they will give up their job and friends in order for you to take it.